Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Ask anyone, “How are you doing?” today and many of the answers you will receive will be some sort of expression of the word busy. We live in a busy society today. Everyone is busy. It is almost like people derive some sort of value from being busy and if they have not been busy it is some sort of indictment against them. This sense of urgency about all of life has a way of pushing to the side that which is most important.

In Luke 10, Martha was busy with many things. She was so overwhelmed with her busyness that she was disturbed by her sister Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. In Martha’s mind there were more urgent things to be done.

We need to realize that life will always present us with things that seem more urgent than spending time with Jesus. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen to do the needful thing. What was she doing that was so needful?

• Mary spent time in the presence of Jesus. Nothing will change us like being in the presence of Jesus. Don’t allow your urgent day to push out the greatest opportunity of connecting with Jesus.

• Mary spent time listening to His words. The words of Jesus provide the strength for our day and the direction for our life. The wisdom of this world can never provide the truth that can only be found in His Word.

• Mary spent her time investing in something that would never be taken from her. What Martha was doing had temporary importance. What Mary was doing had eternal significance. While we all have things that must be done today, don’t allow the temporary to push out the eternal priorities of your life.

Today’s Challenge: Take time today to push away from the urgent and do the most needed thing your life. Get in the presence of Jesus and interact with His word.