Recently, my wife and I watched a movie in which the main character was so preoccupied with getting ready to serve the prince that was coming to visit that she failed to see that her coworker was actually the prince himself.

While that storyline may make for good entertainment, unfortunately, it actually defines the lives of many believers. It is easy for us to get so caught up and busy in the activity of serving God that we neglect any opportunities to get to know Him.

Luke 10 tells the account of Jesus visiting with Mary and Martha, and in verse 40 we are told that “Martha was distracted with much serving.” Meanwhile, Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. When Martha complains to Jesus that Mary wasn’t doing anything to help her, Jesus responds to her,

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus defended Mary’s choice as the better thing –the “one needful thing.” According to our Lord, it is more important for us to spend time getting to know Him than it is to be busy doing things for Him.

Have you lost sight of Whom you are serving because you don’t take time to spend with Him? May we all choose the thing that is better and needful and not get distracted by things that are good.