Yesterday’s Life Palette blog looked at the importance of setting your values foundation for living life as the masterpiece you are created to be and ultimately living a life of freedom and fulfillment.

The core value that should be the primary concern of our lives comes from Jesus: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)

Two Sisters:

The story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, gives us a real life snapshot of what it means to make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. It’s found in Luke 10:38-41 and the setting is a dinner party for a very important guest, Jesus. Now, I can’t even imagine what kind of preparations I’d be doing (okay, my wife would be doing) if the Lord were coming over to my house for dinner. To say I’d be distracted would be a bit of an understatement.

As any hostess worth her salt, Martha went above and beyond what was needed for her guest of honor and she was certainly distracted by it all. You can hardly blame her, yet I can’t help but wonder, “What was Martha’s primary concern?” Could it be her attention to the details of throwing a grand party and serving her guest an incredible dinner was more for her glory than for Jesus’ benefit?

Mary, on the other hand, spent her time sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to what He had to say. Her desire was to learn all she could from Christ while He was in her home. Her primary concern was the relationship she had with Jesus. Martha, frustrated that her sister wasn’t doing anything to help her with dinner preparations, complained to Christ. Funny, isn’t it? Here’s Martha, whining to the guest of honor about how she wasn’t getting help in preparing for whom? The guest of honor. It’s convoluted, sure, but it’s something I’ve done plenty of times.

Jesus Response

Jesus’ response was merciful yet direct. “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Jesus confirmed Mary’s value was right and good and properly prioritized. Seeking Him was her primary concern and according to Jesus it must be yours as well. It is the foundation for living life as the masterpiece He created you to be.

Adapted from Life Palette book: “God made a masterpiece…and it’s you!”