Are you overwhelmed with stuff to do? 

As on-fire Christians we know it far too well: we're to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil (per Ephesians 5:16). But there are so many things that demand our time and attention, where do you start?

You think, "Maybe I should finish reading that book. No, maybe I should start reading that other book. But what about writing back to Millie? I've still got to set up that meeting with the elders at my church. I'll do it right after I prepare that lesson for Vacation Bible School. Ooh! I forgot to feed Sparky this morning ..."

We can sometimes be duped into thinking that the more tasks we complete the more pleasing we are to God. But that's just not true. Out of the billion and a half things that we pile up on our "to do" list, it's good to know, from God's perspective, only one thing is a true priority: to linger in the presence of God. 

Call Me Martha

Martha was like a lot of us: she was busy for the gospel. When Jesus was passing through town, she opened up her home to Him. She ran about making preparations to serve Jesus -- doing the equivalent of folding sheets, running to the market at the last minute and slicing up mutton sandwiches to send off with Jesus and the Twelve. In all fairness, she was doing a lot of good. I'm sure Jesus and the disciples appreciated her efforts. But something about her hard work wasn't quite right.

As she whisked from one place to another in her frenzy of service, Luke describes her as "distracted by all the preparations" (Luke 10:40). If you're distracted, it means that your attention is somewhere other than where it should be. Where should her attention have been? On Jesus, obviously. 

Call Me Mary

Unlike Martha, her sister, Mary, wasn't thinking too much about all of the stuff that needed to get done. All she could think about was "Wow! Jesus is at our house." Instead of busying herself like Martha, she settled herself down at Jesus' feet and listened to His words (Luke 10:39).  As a woman in the first century world, she was going against the social norms. She would have been expected to show hospitality to her guest by getting out of the way and by serving and feeding Him the way Martha was doing. But other people's expectations and Martha's huge "to-do" list didn't matter. Mary needed to just dawdle in His presence and spend time with Him.

Busted!

Martha spent time with Jesus, too, but it looked way different. Instead of sitting down for a while, she zipped in for a quick standing-room appearance before Jesus and, unbelievably, told Jesus what to do! "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40). I hate to admit that I've had prayer times like that.  I'll just flit into God's presence for a quick second to accuse Him about not caring for me, to tell Him how hard I've got it, and to tell Him how to do His job. We give Martha a hard time, but let's admit it: we've all had times when we can relate to her. 

What is Jesus' response? Martha may not have expected him to chastise Mary severely, but she probably expected Jesus to say to Mary, "You know, your sister does have a point. We've had a nice time together, but why don't you go help her wash the dishes." Martha was in for a rude awakening that boils down to a lesson we all need to hear.

Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha . . .you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 41-42).  The one thing we need to do is come and sit for a spell at the feet of Jesus -- to hear His words, to adore Him and to be in relationship with Him. Don't fret about making dinner --  He fed the 5,000 with fish and loaves. He can do it again if need be. He created the entire world -- He could surely create a shelter for His head if He wanted to. But since He's given free will to you, what He can't do is make you want to linger with Him and delight in His presence. 

Don't forget to feed Sparky, but make sure your priorities are in order: give quality time first to tarry in the presence of God. That's the one thing you can't do without.