First Things First

Read: Luke 10:38-42

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. --- Proverbs 4:7

The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 137-139
1 Corinthians 13

During World War II, I served as an orthopedic technician in a hospital in England. One day we were cleaning up after putting casts on fractured limbs when I noticed some co-workers goofing off instead of helping. I didn't hesitate to show my displeasure.

Such incidents are why I usually find myself saying a few words in defense of Martha whenever I preach on Luke 10:38-42. You'll recall that she was "distracted with much serving" [v.40], while her sister Mary did nothing but listen to Jesus.

It's easy for me to see Martha's point of view. In Proverbs, more than a dozen verses rebuke the slothful. And when some first-century Christians quit working and started to freeload off others, Paul laid down the rule: "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" [2 Thess. 3:10].

Our approach to work must be balanced. Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing." Martha could have said, "Mary, dinner can wait. I'll join you in listening to Jesus before getting started in the kitchen."

Work is vital. But we should not be so obsessed with it that it crowds our worship and spiritual instruction.

Work hard, but keep first things first. --- Herb Vander Lugt

When I do my work, does Christ shine through
In all I do and say?
As I walk with Him and talk with Him,
Is He my joy each day? --- Fitzhugh

DON'T BE SO BUSY DOING GOOD THAT YOU NEGLECT TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT.