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Fretting and Fussing, October 25
Luke 10:38-42
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are fretting and fussing about
so many things; but one thing is necessary. The part that Mary has chosen
is best; and it shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41, 42
, N.E.B.
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a reverent and
devoted listener. On one occasion, Martha, perplexed with the care of preparing
the meal, went to Christ, saying, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath
left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” This was the time of
Christ’s first visit to Bethany. The Saviour and His disciples had just made the
toilsome journey on foot from Jericho. Martha was anxious to provide for their
comfort, and in her anxiety she forgot the courtesy due to her Guest....
The “one thing” that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper
anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life, and the graces
necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less anxiety for the things
which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. Jesus would
teach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledge which
will make them wise unto salvation. The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic
workers. There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious
work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence,
promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the life will be
an unconquerable power for good
The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led
into temptation and sin, is that they do not study the word of God and meditate
upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will power, which is manifest
in life and character, results from neglect of the sacred instruction of God’s word.
They do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure,
holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and untrue. There are few
who choose the better part, who sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn of
the divine Teacher. Few treasure His words in the heart and practice them in the
life
[305]
43
Ibid., 525
.
44
The Ministry of Healing, 458
.
316