Did Mary Get It?

Sometimes we go through life lessons that remind us to slow down and “smell the roses,” or at least determine what’s really important in life. We do that in all areas of life, and the wise people recognize what’s worth investing in and then do it.

In Luke 10:38-42, we read of an instance when Jesus highlights that realization for us. Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet was listening to what Jesus said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

What is worry? To give way to anxiety or unease; to allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. That’s one definition of it, but what’s worry really do for us? Jesus compared a type of soil to the effects of worry. He said in Matthew 13:22, “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Worry kills fruitfulness! It’s interesting that God told Adam in Genesis 1:28, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” In the garden, Adam had no reason to worry at all – he wasn’t even worried about not having any clothes! Once again Jesus reminds His followers about what is most important… (Matthew 6:25-34) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (33-34) “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Did Mary get it? Here’s an example of a woman who was seeking God’s wisdom instead of human wisdom (logic). Eve sought after human wisdom, but Mary was seeking knowledge from the “tree of life” – Jesus! It’s much easier to become Martha by thinking it’s our efforts that bring fulfillment and meaning in life. In Martha’s case, that would have meant a delicious meal; in our case, maybe that’s an appealing life. Can we recognize the difference between a good choice and the best choice? God wants us to be able to see the wisdom that comes from trusting in Him and feeding on His words!