One Thing is Needed

                This is a very busy time of the year for most people.  There are a wide range of activities that must be completed before the holidays come upon us.  There are gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, guest to invite, and meals to be prepared.  One must carefully go back through all that was done to ensure that nothing has been left out.  Everyone on the Christmas list must have a present, every member of the family must have received an invitation to dinner, and Christmas cards should be sent out. 

                During this time it is easy to become so occupied with the “to do list” that what matters the most is forgotten.  Martha had that very problem when she was preparing a meal for Jesus.  She was working frantically while her sister Mary was content to sit at the feet of Christ and listen to His words.  She insisted that Jesus instruct her to come and help her prepare the meal.  Jesus responded, “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.” (Luke 10:41-42)

   
             Our lives are filled with all different types of activities that seem to take priority over what matters the most.  Remember that Jesus said, “One thing is needed…”  That one thing is to listen to Christ and to trust in Him throughout our lives.  Think of how much stress could be reduced, how much hassle could be eliminated, and how much peace could fill our hearts if we could be like Mary.  If we could take a time out from everything else and spend time with our Lord both in prayer and in reading His word.

  
              As you go out this season to search for that last minute gift, to purchase supplies for Christmas dinner, and prepare your home for company to arrive, take time to remember Christ and His great love for you.  God bless.

-Eric Hicks