"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:41-42

This is one of my favorite stories/events in the New Testament. (I say that alot, don’t I?) It's also one of the most triggering. Let me explain.

I used to like sitting on the floor at my Grandfather’s feet listening to him talk. The problem being that it was usually the time my Mom could have used help in the kitchen. There were plenty of other relatives happy to do that, so I wasn’t really needed. At the end of the visit, the helpers were thanked for their assistance and I always felt a bit judged for being lazy. So to this day, that word (lazy) really lights me up, not in a good way.

But when I would read this passage about Mary and Martha, I would feel vindicated. I’ve come to realize that I do not have the spiritual gift of helps, but I do of encouragement. My Grandfather felt seen and heard by me. When the Holy Spirit wants me to help, He gives me that gift, but it’s temporary. It is fascinating to sit ‘outside’ of myself and watch this in practice.

No matter what our gifts are, there is just one thing that is most important. The words of Jesus. Martha could have still prepared everything - the Lord would have given her the ability and time - but she let bitterness and jealousy overtake her. Her Works became more important to her than His Words.

Jesus replies, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:41-42

Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026