One Thing Is Needed

Luke 10:38-11:13 Our pastor has said that we have to remember to keep the main thing the main thing. When we look at our lives, we have to ask ourselves, “What is the main thing?” I had a friend who put on her refrigerator a sign that said, “What difference will this make 10,000 years from now?” Priorities change when we realize that our life here on earth is but a hands breadth. Those who know Jesus Christ personally will live forever with Him. Jesus told Martha that she was careful and troubled about many things, but Mary had chosen the one thing needful. Mary chose to sit at His feet and learn of Him. Without Him we can do nothing. When we realize this, we will spend more time sitting at His feet as Mary did.

Each morning Jesus gives us this invitation, “Come learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and you shall find rest for your soul.” Martha had no rest for her soul. She was busy and anxious about many things, and this stole her peace. In fact, she was so concerned about her dinner that her attitude toward Mary was negatively affected. She saw Mary with critical eyes because Mary was not doing what she wanted her to do. Has this ever happened to you?

Daily we are challenged to keep the main thing the main thing. The main thing is our relationship with the Lord and then with others. Yesterday we talked about the value of spending time with our family at the dinner table. Breaking bread together was a regular occurrence in the early church, and most of their meetings involved sitting at a table. In this busy culture in which we live, many have lost the gift of hospitality. However, if we become so concerned about our dinner preparations that we fail to spend time with our guests, we have failed miserably as a hostess. People are always more important than appearances, food and things. Over the years I have learned to entertain without making a fuss about having things just right. Things will always be just right as we exercise the gift of hospitality if we keep the main thing the main thing.

The Holy Spirit can give us wisdom about how to have a dinner party without being so worn out that we are not good company. Often it is the fear of man (caring too much about what others think) that compels us to overdo in our hospitality. The people who come to our homes desire to talk with us and listen also to our news. This is their first priority. Good conversation at the dinner table always makes up for what may be lacking in the finer dinner or an immaculate house. Next time you entertain, turn the lights down low and no one will notice if you missed cleaning somewhere. Cook something that smells great and keep it simple. If your guest offers to bring something, always let them. It will make it easier on you, and you will have more time with your guests. These are just a few ideas to KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING. Your life as well as your entertaining will always be a delight when the presence of the Lord and people are more important than your presentation.

READ: Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26; Luke 10:38-11:13; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 12:15-17