Topic: One thing is needful
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 10:21-42.
Memory Verse: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (KJV)
There are various issues contending for attention in the day to day life of everyone. This was the case with Martha and Mary. Martha was concerned about hospitality towards the Lord Jesus and so she focused on the preparations needed to take good care of Him. She was, however, concerned that her sister, Mary, left her alone with the chore while she sat at the feet of Jesus to learn from the Master. So Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to come and help her. But the Lord’s response was different. He said in Luke 10:42 (KJV), “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
The Lord’s answer raised a key issue on resolving the conflict between important and urgent matters. A number of times people focus on urgent but not so important matters and defer the important matters. In the case of the two sisters, preparing food and drinks for the Lord Jesus was urgent as He had limited time with the family! On the other hand, the most important issue at that time was learning more about eternal life from the Lord Himself. This is why the Lord Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the one thing that is needful!
How about you? How is your priority list? Everyday, you confront the conflict, you need to prioritise your activities for each day starting with the important ones first and following with urgent but not so important. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Do you put seeking kingdom of God and its righteousness first in all you do? Or are you running after those urgent issues concerning your job, family, friends or even church activities first?
Priority is important. In all you do, always generate your priority list based on importance and not urgency before embarking on your various activities, that will help you to focus appropriately. That is the same principle you need to apply concerning your family and work. You need to place your family including your health first before your work. Several people have placed search for money far above their health and family only to realise that the money they got could not restore either their health nor their family. Always face your day based on importance of activities for the day.
Action point: Father, please help me to get my priorities right in every area of my life.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero