The "One" Thing Needed

The bible story of Martha and Mary found in Luke’s gospel has always resonated with me. In the story, two sisters are preparing for the arrival of their friend, Jesus, to arrive. One sister, Martha, was overwhelmed and distracted by the many preparations at hand, meanwhile Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus hearing His word. At one point, Martha turns to Jesus and asks, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Jesus gently replies, 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. (Luke 10:38-41, NIV)

As life unfolds, we may find ourselves deeply connected with Jesus at times, while at other times, we may enter a season of servanthood. One does not negate the other.

This year, I have found myself mirroring Martha’s actions. Instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus like Mary, I have been busy serving others. Between my JCM activities and the many ways I am serving my family—often requiring travel and pulling me away from my normal routines—I have felt the tension between these two postures. While both Martha’s diligence and Mary’s devotion are present in my life, I find myself longing for quiet moments with Jesus—to just sit at his feet. I yearn for the peace and rest that only He can provide.

Like Martha, the issue is not that I am serving; after all, Jesus frequently commends serving others. The challenge is that I have become distracted from what is most important—Jesus Himself. The Greek word for "distracted," periespato (from perispao), conveys the idea of being pulled in different directions or over-occupied. Lately, I have been asking myself: Are these distractions preventing me from being truly present with Jesus? Like Martha, am I missing out on the “one thing needed?”

The “One Thing Needed”

Many of us strive to enrich the lives of our families and communities through service, but this can leave us feeling spiritually depleted. Are we making time to sit at the feet of Jesus? Are we experiencing the peace that only He can give?

Serving through tasks and activities is essential, both in the world and within the body of Christ. However, if we neglect to pause and listen to His word, we risk becoming anxious, troubled, and directionless. To strengthen our faith, we must cultivate our love and relationship with Jesus, because when we do, our faith deepens - and so does the impact of our service through the work we do for others.

Both receiving and serving are vital to the Christian life, but before we can effectively serve, we must first receive and embrace God’s word. Attempting to serve without being rooted and nourished in the word is like expecting a garden to flourish without water.

As I reflect on this season of my life, I am reminded that while serving others is a beautiful and necessary act of love, it must flow from a heart that is first filled by Christ. Like Martha, I have been caught up in the busyness of doing, yet my soul longs for the stillness of simply being with Jesus. I am learning that true service is not just about meeting the needs of others—it is about being deeply rooted in the presence of God so that my service is an outpouring of His love, rather than a source of exhaustion.

Perhaps you, too, have found yourself pulled in many directions, striving to serve while longing for rest. If so, may we be reminded that Jesus does not ask us to choose between working and worshiping—He invites us to find balance in both. When we prioritize time at His feet, our service becomes more meaningful, our burdens feel lighter, and our hearts are renewed.

Let us not neglect the “one thing needed.” May we choose, like Mary, to sit at the feet of Jesus, allowing His presence to restore, guide, and strengthen us. In doing so, we will find that our service is not a weight we carry alone, but a joyful extension of His grace at work within us.

Reflection Verse:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11: 28-30)

In Christ's love,

Tracey