Competing Concerns
“You are worried and distracted by many things, but only one thing is necessary.” (Luke 10:38-42).
Many of you will recognize these words of Jesus from Luke’s gospel. A woman named Martha had invited Jesus into her home where she lived with her sister Mary. I can just imagine the scene: The controversial Jesus arrives at the door, is invited in, and perhaps Martha says something like we all often do when special guests arrive, “Oh, thank you for coming! Please have a seat… you can chat with so and so (in this case it was Mary) while I make ready.” Off the host goes as the guest waits patiently.
But the special preparations are so extravagantly planned that it is too much and help is needed. Animosity grows as the realization comes they are the only one laboring. Such it was with Martha. She complains – even to their guest, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.”
But Christ sees such concerns differently. He replies so tenderly, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary.” That “one thing,” as Mary chose, is one’s relationship… one’s abiding… in Him.
Chambers notes, “Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.”
“Do not worry about your life,” cautions Jesus, … do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (see Matt. 6:25-34). Each day has its own distractions… its own “competing concerns” which one must keep in proper perspective.
As on Sunday Elder Don reminded us, “The Lord is with you when you are with Him.” (2 Chron. 15:2). When we maintain our relationship with Christ we need not fear any “worst case scenario.” Though they may come, we will have Christ, and Christ will have us, and that will be enough.
More tomorrow…
To hear Don Longworth’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
thebrokenrunner 