Articles
Troubled About Many Things
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.”
[Luke 10:41]
There’s plenty to be worried about in this world, that’s for sure. Finances, taxes, health, traffic, global jihad ... the list goes on and on. But we can also fret about mundane things that really aren’t important. Martha was troubled that Mary was not helping her with the serving of their visiting VIP.
A positive spin might credit Martha for wishing to give the very best to Jesus, but Jesus didn’t quite see it that way. His mild rebuke went straight to Martha’s nature. She is troubled about “many things,” not merely the moment at hand. Her frustration with Mary is indicative of her overall outlook on life.
Jesus further commented: “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk 10:42). In other words, Mary’s priorities are in order. She “sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word” (Lk 10:39). Martha was worried about perishable food, but Mary sought “the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet 1:23).
Is your mind troubled about trivial things? Do you reserve your mental energy for what truly matters?
