In the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), Jesus teaches us the difference between doing what we think is important and doing what God tells us is important. Martha is worried about human things, concerned with serving Jesus as her guest. This was very important in that time and culture, and Jesus spoke often of serving others.
However, Jesus teaches us that there are things of higher value – hearing God’s Word and having a relationship with Him. Jesus wants us to know we are not valued for our doing, God loves us because He made us in His own image. Serving others is a response to this connection, a reaction of love, not initiated by us. “Doing” can never lead us to salvation on our own, only the Grace of God saves us.
The tasks we immerse ourselves in daily are not who we are. God knows us at the deepest level, saying “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5), indicating the special and eternal relationship we share. Celebrate that blessed connection every day, first with Him and then by sharing His love with others.
Loving Lord, we are humbled and grateful to be called Your children. Help us to be good members of Your family, reaching out to all our brothers and sisters. Let Your love shine through us and may Your mercy and peace spread across the earth. Amen.