Daily devotional · October 7
One Thing Needed
“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: serving her guest. Yet Jesus gently said she was worried and troubled about many things, while Mary had chosen to sit and listen. He was not scolding hospitality; He was showing what comes first. Busyness can look like devotion while quietly crowding out the very person we are serving. Notice that Jesus does not shame Martha; He calls her by name with tenderness. The invitation is the same for us. Some tasks are urgent but not central, and one relationship is both. Today, before your list takes over, set aside ten unhurried minutes to sit at Jesus' feet: read a short passage, be silent, listen. Let the rest of the day be shaped by that first listening, and see what you can lay down without loss.
Prayer
Jesus, slow me down. Help me choose the one thing that matters most today. Amen.