Daily devotional · July 6
The Better Portion
“As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.””
Martha was doing something good. Hospitality mattered, and someone had to prepare the meal. Yet Jesus noticed that her worry had grown larger than her welcome. He does not call her lazy or Mary superior; he names what was happening inside her: she was anxious and troubled about many things, while one thing was needed. Mary had chosen to sit at his feet and listen, and Jesus would not take that from her. Most of us live closer to Martha than to Mary, with tasks piled higher than our hours. The invitation is not to abandon responsibilities but to keep first things first. Today, before the busiest part of your day begins, give ten minutes to sit and listen. Put your phone in another room, read a short passage, and be quiet. Let the rest of the day be shaped by that stillness rather than crowd it out.
Prayer
Jesus, quiet my busy heart. Help me choose the one thing that matters most today.