“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?…” — Luke 10:40 (KJV)
Mary and Martha’s account (Luke 10:38-42) gently reveals the danger of neglecting time at Jesus’ feet. Martha’s service was sincere, yet her heart grew heavy and troubled because she was busy for Jesus without first being with Him. When we fail to sit at His feet, even good intentions can lead to weariness and frustration.
One disadvantage is spiritual exhaustion. Without stillness in His presence, our strength runs low, and our joy fades. We begin to serve out of pressure rather than love. Scripture reminds us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 – KJV). When we do not wait, renewal is lost.
Another consequence is loss of peace and clarity. God’s Word brings direction, but when listening is replaced by constant activity, confusion and anxiety grow. Like Martha, we may become irritable or resentful, weighed down by “many things” instead of anchored in the “one thing needful.”
Failing to sit at His feet also weakens intimacy with Christ. Relationships require attention. Jesus said, “Abide in me…for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4-5 – NKJV). Fruitful living flows from abiding, not busyness. When we neglect His presence, our actions lose spiritual power.
Yet Jesus’ words to Martha were not condemnation but invitation. He called her back to what truly matters – “one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42 – KJV). The same invitation stands for us today. No matter how distracted we have been, Jesus’s feet remain a place of welcome, rest, and restoration.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have allowed busyness to replace intimacy. Draw me back to Your feet, where my heart is quieted and my strength renewed. Teach me to choose the better part each day, that my life and service may flow from love and closeness with You. Amen.
Read: Psalm 46:1; John 15:8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 2; Matthew 2:1-18; Genesis 2:18-25; Genesis 3; Genesis 4:1-16