Martha was doing something good—preparing a meal for Jesus.
Mary was doing something better—sitting at Jesus’ feet.
One was serving Jesus.
The other was seeking Jesus.
And Jesus makes it clear: seeking Him is best.
“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.” (Luke 10:41-42, ESV)
The Trap of the “Good” Life
Many people settle for good when God has called them to best.
- You can fill your life with good activities—serving, working, ministering—yet miss the one thing that matters most.
- You can be successful in life and still fail in God’s calling for you.
- You can do great things and still miss Jesus in the process.
Martha wasn’t sinning—she was just distracted.
And distraction is often more dangerous than disobedience, because it doesn’t feel wrong.
When Good Becomes an Obstacle
- Ministry Can Distract from Intimacy
It’s possible to serve God so much that you forget to sit with Him.
Jesus isn’t impressed by busyness—He desires nearness.
- Success Can Keep You from Significance
You can be so productive that you neglect your purpose.
Not every opportunity is an assignment from God.
- Activity is Not the Same as Obedience
Just because something is good doesn’t mean God asked you to do it.
Many people work for God but not with God (2 Corinthians 6:1).
The Takeaway
- Stop choosing what is merely “good.” Start pursuing what is “best.”
- Before you say “yes” to something, ask: “Did God call me to this?”
- Make sure you’re not so busy doing things for Jesus that you forget to sit at His feet.
The best use of your life is not just doing things for God but being with God.
So what’s distracting you from the “one thing” today?
