How can we prioritize Jesus in our daily routines like Mary did? The Moment in Bethany “While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.” Luke 10:38 Jesus walked through the doorway, and Martha hurried into preparations. Mary, however, slipped to the floor at His feet, soaking in every word. One sister bustled, the other listened. That brief description opens a window into how to structure an ordinary day around the extraordinary presence of Christ. What Mary Chose and Why It Matters • Luke 10:39–42 reveals Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His word,” and Jesus called it “the better portion.” • Sitting does not equal inactivity; it signals intentional positioning—placing the whole self under Jesus’ voice. • The Lord affirmed that this priority “will not be taken away,” underscoring its eternal value over temporary tasks. Everyday Pressures That Mirror Martha’s Kitchen • Overflowing calendars, notifications, errands, emails • Invisible expectations to prove worth through productivity • Hospitality duties, parenting demands, professional deadlines When the to-do list threatens to crowd out devotion, the contrast between Martha and Mary becomes painfully relevant. Choosing the Better Portion in Modern Rhythms 1. Begin the day by sitting, not scrolling • Mark 1:35—“Very early in the morning... He went out to a solitary place, and there He prayed.” • Silence the phone; open Scripture first, even if only for ten focused minutes. 2. Integrate Scripture into movement • Deuteronomy 6:7 models talking of His words “when you walk along the road.” • Audio Bible or worship while commuting, exercising, or completing chores. 3. Anchor tasks with micro-pauses of worship • Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do... do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Whisper thanksgiving before meetings, fold laundry while recounting God’s attributes. 4. Schedule undistracted listening blocks • Matthew 6:6—“Go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father.” • Block fifteen-minute slots on the calendar like immovable appointments. 5. Close the day reflecting on His words • Psalm 63:6—“When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” • Review the day with gratitude, confess distractions, rest in His promises. Scriptures That Fortify Mary-Like Focus • Psalm 27:4—Singular desire to dwell in the house of the Lord. • Matthew 11:28–30—Jesus invites the weary to His rest. • John 15:4—Abide in Me and I in you. • Philippians 4:6–7—Prayer shifts anxiety into peace guarding the heart and mind. • Hebrews 12:2—Fix eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Living the Lesson Prioritizing Jesus is less about subtracting responsibilities and more about infusing them with attentive love for Him. Mary’s example calls believers to deliberate, daily choices to sit at His feet, letting His word set the tone, pace, and purpose for every subsequent activity. |
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