PRIORITIES

Service that exists as an outgrowth of fervent love is commendable, but when it becomes the 'end all' and 'be all' ... things are out of order. We see an example of misplaced priorities in Luke 10:38-42:

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 

But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” 

Convinced that her frustration was justified, Martha not only scolded Jesus for not caring ... but presumed to tell Him what He should do. The very Son of God was in her midst yet she was more concerned about the bread that feeds the body than the 'Bread of Life' that feeds the soul.

Warren Wiersbe - Martha’s problem was not that she had too much work to do, but that she allowed her work to distract and pull her apart. The key is to have the right priorities: Jesus Christ first, then others, then ourselves. 

On your walk of faith, the cares of this world will try to pull you apart also. The demands placed on your allotted time and energy (even if filled with 'good works') can keep you from 'sitting at Jesus' feet', listening to His Word, and finding rest for your soul. 

Spurgeon - Jesus would be better pleased with a grain of love than a heap of ostentatious service. To learn of Christ and live in communion with Him is the highest privilege of the believer. 

We need to be like Mary and keep our priorities straight. Her desire was to take in everything that fell from Jesus' lips and delight in His presence. Her 'hunger' could only be satisfied there.

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you because God the Father has set His seal on Him. John 6:27

Mary made her choice and was blessed ... do likewise, pilgrim.