Martha’s Busy Hands, Mary’s Better Portion: it’s possible to serve God’s house and miss His heart.

Not every distraction is sinful. Some appear as “good things,” making them dangerous; they seem noble, responsible, even spiritual, yet they quietly pull us away from closeness with God.

Martha vs. Mary

In Luke 10:38-42, we see two sisters who both loved Jesus. Martha welcomed Him into her home, eager to serve. She prepared everything for her honored Guest. Meanwhile, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words.

At first, Martha appears responsible. After all, serving is essential. But the Bible says, “Martha was distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40). She even grew frustrated with Mary and asked Jesus to rebuke her.

But Jesus responded gently: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).

Martha was busy. Mary was focused.

Martha was distracted by work. Mary was devoted to worship.

Martha fed Jesus with food. Mary fed her soul with His words.

This story reminds us that even good things can become distractions if they replace what is best.

 

A Life Story: The Burned-Out Leader

I once counseled a young woman named Jamine who faithfully served in her church. She was on every committee, attended every meeting, and volunteered every weekend. On the outside, she looked like Martha: hardworking, dependable, always serving.

But inside, Jamine was spiritually dry. She admitted, “I serve God’s house, but I don’t spend time with God Himself.” She was so busy doing for Jesus that she forgot how to simply be with Jesus. Eventually, exhaustion and bitterness set in.

Jamine’s story is Martha’s story. Service is honorable, but when it distracts us from sitting at the Master’s feet, it drains our souls instead of feeding them.

 

The Word of God Speaks

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10)

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Busyness is not the same as fruitfulness. God values fellowship over function, presence over performance.

 

Personal Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you more like Martha, always moving, always doing, yet inwardly restless? Or are you like Mary, willing to pause, listen, and sit at Jesus’ feet, even when the world demands otherwise?

Remember: it’s possible to serve God’s house and miss His heart.

Let us pray

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve been too busy to simply be with You. Teach me to value Your presence over performance, Your voice over activity. Help me choose the “better portion” like Mary, and guard me from the trap of restless busyness. May my heart always be still enough to hear You. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.