Today’s Scripture
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted by much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42, ESV).
Today’s Devotion
It’s easy to condemn Martha’s short-sightedness. Jesus Himself sat in her home and taught, but she was so busy serving that she forgot to listen! Yes, it was a blessing to serve such an honored guest, but she missed the greater blessing—the good portion—of listening to Jesus.
We can all be like Martha sometimes.
Like her, we allow a million little things to fill our time and crowd out what matters most—our relationships.
Maybe you’re feeling the crunch of a packed schedule this week. Seasons of overcommitment often mean you don’t have as much time as you wish you had to invest in your relationships, particularly your relationship with your spouse.
Perhaps you feel as if you and your spouse haven’t had a meaningful conversation in far too long. Maybe it’s been weeks since you spent any sort of significant time alone together.
If overcommitment has crowded out intimacy in your marriage, Jesus’ gentle rebuke to Martha applies to you as well. Choose “the good portion”—your relationship with your spouse—over the busyness.
Start by simply taking a few minutes to sit down and discuss your day with your spouse. Ask how you can pray for each other and then take a minute to pray together. Spending time in prayer as a couple is a wonderful way to build intimacy with the Lord and with one another.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a relational God. Help us slow down and choose the better portion—a closer relationship with you and with one another. Help us truly listen to your voice and to one another. Amen.
