We are surrounded by plenty-as in much. If you dispute this observation, take an inventory of your belongings. Will one page be sufficient to catalog all of them? So you see, we are surrounded by plenty, much of it our own. Suppose you were told you must choose ten items from that number. The ten things you choose, you can keep; the remainder must be given away. What ten would you choose?
The house, obviously, then the car, food, clothing, checkbook, the dog. Oh, I forgot, of course the furniture.
You may have chosen different articles, but I suspect you chose along the same line as the above. Unless you have a cat. Have you noticed something missing in this list? I have, but of course I should, since I know where this article is heading. Where is the Bible?
It is interesting that the possession which is the most valuable, is so ignored. It is often left at home when its owner goes on vacation (Home Alone). Even surrounded by people, it is sometimes lost. "Let's see, where did I put that thing?" It often goes for long stretches with no human companionship.
On one occasion, Jesus had been received into Martha's house (Luke 10:38ff). She was busy doing the things necessary in order to entertain a guest in her home. Food must be prepared, cooked, and then served. Her sister, Mary, didn't seem to notice that poor Martha had to do all of these things. While she was busy, busy, busy, Mary was listening to Jesus. He was placed in the unenviable position of having to settle a family squabble. "Bid her therefore that she help me" said Martha.
His answer was simple, but profound: "but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part." Martha is the overworked, harried sister who has been deserted by Mary to do all this work alone. The feelings Martha experienced are common to each of us. We are doing what has to be done, while Mary is off visiting with the guest.
"One thing is needful." Instead of choosing ten things, now you have to choose only one. Mary chose "the good part." She chose food for the soul. When all of our things are gone, this is the one thing which shall last. That ought to help us put things in perspective, shouldn't it?
Opportunity for spiritual growth and satisfaction should rate better than a hurried "later." The worship of God on the day he specified ought not be an afterthought or resentful intrusion into our busy schedule (the preacher went ten minutes over and the roast might burn!)
It's easy to be like Martha, isn't it?
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 2/7/99.