INTRODUCTION

1. As Christians, we have many responsibilities that are proper...
   a. As parents, spouses, or children - cf. 1 Ti 5:8; Co 3:18-21
   b. As employees, or employers - cf. Co 3:22-4:1

2. Yet sometimes what is good can get in the way of what is better...
   a. When we fail to properly prioritize our activities
   b. Allowing ourselves to be distracted by what is good, missing out
      on what is better

[A good illustration of this is seen in the story of Martha and Mary,
two sisters who along with their brother Lazarus were loved by Jesus
(cf. Jn 11:5).  Turning to our text (Lk 10:38-42), let's examine...]

I. THE EXAMPLE OF MARTHA AND MARY

   A. MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED...
      1. She had invited Jesus to her house - Lk 10:38
         a. That it was her house leads most to think she was the
            eldest, head of the household
         b. Her hospitality is certainly commendable, a noble trait
            - cf. Isa 58:7; He 13:2
      2. She became distracted by much serving - Lk 10:40
         a. The Son of God, the Messiah, had come to her house - what an
            honor!
         b. There were likely others beside Jesus:  His disciples, her
            family, neighbors
         c. She naturally wanted her sister Mary to help - Lk 10:40
      3. She began to worry and be troubled by many things - Lk 10:41
         a. These were not things that were wrong in of themselves
         b. But they took priority when they should not have
         c. Which caused anxiety of mind and distress of spirit!
      -- Martha allowed that which is good get in the way of that which
         is better!

   B. MARY WAS DISCIPLINED...
      1. She sat at Jesus feet and heard His word - Lk 10:39
         a. Sitting at His feet was the ancient posture of disciples or
            learners - cf. Ac 22:3
         b. It indicates she was His disciple, she wanted to learn from
            Him
         c. She was more concerned about being a good disciple, than a
            good hostess
      2. She chose the one thing needed - Lk 10:42
         a. In the end, there is one thing that is really necessary
         b. That would be seeking God's kingdom and righteousness - Mt
            6:33; cf. 1 Ti 4:8
      3. She chose that which had eternal consequence - Lk 10:42
         a. She chose "that good part, which will not be taken away from
            her"
         b. For Jesus offered blessings that would last - cf. Jn 4:14;
            5:24; 10:27-28
         c. Of which even her sister Martha was aware - cf. Jn 11:21-27
      -- Mary had the discipline to seek first things first, putting the
         better before the good!

[From the example of Martha and Mary, what lesson can be drawn...?]

II. THE LESSON OF MARTHA AND MARY

   A. ARE WE DISTRACTED...?
      1. By things that may be good within themselves?
         a. Our duties as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers?
         b. Our responsibilities to work and community?
      2. Jesus warned against allowing such things to take precedence in
         our lives
         a. Family cannot come before our service to the Lord - Mt
            10:37; cf. 12:46-50
         b. Family and work cannot come before the kingdom of God - Lk
            14:16-24
         c. Cares of this world can render us unfruitful - Lk 8:14
         d. Cares of this world can leave us unprepared - Lk 21:34
      3. If we become distracted by even things that are good...
         a. We will find ourselves like Martha:  worried, troubled,
            stressed out!
         b. We may find ourselves like Esau:  selling our inheritance
            for a morsel! - He 12:16
      -- Are we distracted by the good?

   B. ARE WE DISCIPLINED...?
      1. To seek that which is better, the one thing that is really
         needed?
         a. The kingdom of God and His righteousness?
         b. Eternal life and the blessings which accompany it?
      2. Jesus taught of the value of choosing the good part
         a. God's providential care in our lives - Mt 6:31-33
         b. Ample surplus to replace our sacrifice for the gospel - Mk
            10:28-30
         c. Peace and joy which the world cannot give - Jn 14:27; 15:11;
            16:33; Ph 4:6-7
      3. If we are disciplined enough to make the proper choice...
         a. We will find ourselves like Mary:  free of anxiety, praised
            by the Lord!
         b. We will find ourselves like Job:  experiencing the end
            intend by the Lord! - Ja 5:11
      -- Are we disciplined to choose that which is better?

CONCLUSION

1. Martha had the opportunity to serve the Lord again...
   a. On a joyous occasion, after the raising of her brother from the
      dead - Jn 12:1-2
   b. Then she served with no distraction, free from worry, with no
      rebuke from the Lord

2. Such is the case of those who learn from Martha and Mary...
   a. Who put first things first, seeking first God's will and work in
      their lives
   b. While the Lord comes first, they become better hosts, spouses,
      parents, workers
   c. Better than if they tried to do it on their own, without God's
      help!

Seek first the will of God, and everything falls into place.  Become
distracted by even that which is good, anxiety and problems will be our
lot in life!  Are we willing to learn from Martha and Mary...?