One of the blessings my wife and I have received from teaching Sunday school to kindergarteners is we’re constantly reminded of God’s most basic teachings and how we can apply those in our own lives. 

I was recently preparing for a lesson and remembered the story of Martha and Mary. Martha was an efficient, ambitious person who always took initiative. Today, Martha would probably be the leader of her child’s Girl Scout troop, president of the PTA, and lead multiple ministries at her church. 

Then, there's Mary who isn’t lazy but doesn’t quite move at Martha’s speed. Mary is one who would stop to notice her neighbors and talk to them about their lives and challenges they’re facing. Mary would likely remember the name of the person who waited on her earlier that day at her favorite restaurant. 

Both Mary and Martha were equally excited when they heard Jesus was coming to their home for dinner. Both women wanted to be with Jesus, they just had two very different ways of approaching him. 

Martha spent all her time preparing for Jesus’s arrival. She wanted to show Jesus how much she loved him. Mary, on the other hand, prepared her heart for Jesus’s visit. She had appreciation for the gift of meeting Jesus. 

I can only imagine how Martha felt when Jesus addressed her with these words.

“’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:41-42

My prayer for us this week is that we strive to be more like Mary even though society pushes us to be more like Martha. I pray we can change our perspective and priorities so we can be more like Mary and spend more of our time resting at the feet of Jesus. 

Written by Jeff Gentry, senior vice president of administration and chief financial officer for Buckner International.

Do you want to receive a spiritual devotion each week? Sign up here to receive our Faith Focus newsletter.