October 21

"But one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42

Jesus never implied that Martha should not work. Indeed, the Bible elsewhere tells us that the man who does not work should not eat. Nor did he propose to Martha that she should spend half her time serving and the other half dealing with matters of the spirit. He never suggested that doing her "many things" was wrong, but he reminded her that she should not let them fret and irritate her. Martha did not engage in too many tasks; she indulged in too many worries.

Thank God that there was also a Mary. She had chosen the best portion, which is communion with the Lord, and she represents the other half of the picture. What Jesus wanted was that Martha would follow her sister's example of peace of heart, even while she worked. We can all be like Martha, occupied with outward things; but at one and the same time we must be like Mary, in fellowship with Christ within. Any man or woman may be outwardly busy while inwardly sitting at the feet of Jesus. That is true service.