Why We Must Not Neglect Personal Nourishment When Serving

Daily Devotional – Monday, January 10, 2022

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:42 (NKJV)

Jesus taught the twelve apostles, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). Service, whether in the family, church or community is a virtue. However, in serving others, we must beware of the danger of neglecting ourselves.

A story at the end of Luke chapter 10 aptly illustrates this concept. Jesus is visiting two sisters: Martha and Mary. It appears that the visit was not pre-arranged. He is in the village and he pops into the home of His friends.

Martha Was Distracted With Much Serving

According to Luke, Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” (Verse 39). In contrast, “…Martha was distracted with much serving.” (Verse 40). Poor Martha! She is busy ensuring there is enough food and refreshments for the guests but her sister is relaxed, listening to Jesus.

Apparently, Jesus was not a first-time visitor here. He appears to be very close to this family. Martha decides to ask the Lord to intervene. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” (Verse 40).

You Are Worried and Troubled About Many Things

Martha appears to blame Jesus for allowing Mary to laze about while Martha is working. Jesus replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Verses 41 & 42).

Martha was busy serving. That is commendable. However, she was neglecting her own spiritual nourishment, unlike Mary. Notice that nobody can steal the seed Christ plants in us when we sit at His feet, unlike service to people, which the beneficiaries can forget.

You Shall Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Jesus taught that the second greatest commandment was, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31). Did Jesus say we love our neighbours more than ourselves? In our service to others, we must not forget to sit at Jesus feet for our own spiritual nourishment.

Jesus, the greatest Servant-leader ever “…often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” (Luke 5:16). Jesus set aside time for prayer and communion with God. He needed nourishment from the Father for Him to serve human beings effectively.

Come Aside By Yourselves and Rest a While

On one occasion, when Jesus and His disciples had ministered to the crowds for many hours, and were exhausted, He told the twelve, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31).

In essence, while serving others, we should not neglect our personal physical, spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing. Church ministers, elders and other workers must find time for personal Bible study, prayer and meditation if they are to serve as effectively as Christ did.

Choosing the Good Part

Moreover, it makes no sense to serve the community and other believers yet lose your family, your soul or both. Like Mary, we must choose the good part and that is to spend as much or more time on our knees as we do in service.

Like Mary, have you chosen the good part – sitting at the feet for Jesus to refuel before serving others?

Lord Jesus Christ, I am sitting at Your feet now. Nourish me before I go to serve others.