Only One Thing Is Needful!
By Henry O. Adelegan Martha bustled around the kitchen, her hands full of dishes and her mind crowded with tasks. Mary, her sister, sat quietly at Jesus’ feet, listening intently.
By Henry O. Adelegan
Martha bustled around the kitchen, her hands full of dishes and her mind crowded with tasks. Mary, her sister, sat quietly at Jesus’ feet, listening intently. Frustration rose in Martha’s heart. “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me” (Luke 10:40). Jesus responded with a gentle rebuke that echoes across centuries: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away” (Luke 10:42).
Life is full of Martha moments—days filled with errands, obligations, planning, and pressure. We run from task to task, thinking busyness equates to devotion. Yet Jesus’ lesson reminds us that amid activity, there is a higher priority: communion with God. The “one thing” is not the endless to-do list, the accumulation of achievements, or even ministry for others; it is the deliberate choice to sit at the feet of Christ and nourish the soul.
The benefits of choosing the one thing are profound. First, it anchors us in God’s presence. Psalm 16:11 declares, “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forever more.” Like Mary, when we choose intentional moments with God—through prayer, meditation, worship, or fasting—we experience divine peace, guidance, and refreshment.
Second, focusing on the one thing strengthens faith and spiritual discernment. Jesus said: “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4). The busyness of life can dull our sensitivity to the Spirit. By prioritising God, we attune our hearts to His voice, gain clarity in decision-making, and develop resilience against distraction, temptation, and fear.
Third, choosing the one thing produces lasting fruit. Mary’s devotion was eternal in value. Likewise, our intimate relationship with God cultivates character, love, and wisdom that endure beyond temporary achievements (Matthew 6:33). Service, work, and responsibility are vital, but they must flow from a heart rooted in Christ. When priority is misplaced, effort can become laborious, stressful, or hollow, as seen in Martha’s frustration.
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Practical application during this Lenten season involves intentional choices. Set aside time each day to sit in God’s presence. Resist the temptation to fill every hour with activity. Allow Scripture, prayer, and quiet reflection to shape your day. Luke 12:31 reminds us to “seek ye first the kingdom of God,” establishing God as the foundation upon which all other responsibilities rest.
Moreover, balance action with devotion. James 1:22 warns against being hearers of the word only; we are called to live it. Yet action flows best from reflection, not mere motion. By centring our hearts on the one thing—Christ—we ensure our service, work, and relationships carry eternal significance.
I appeal to you at this Lenten season to choose like Mary. Sit at the feet of Jesus. Prioritise communion over busyness, presence over performance, and relationship over routine. Let the one thing—knowledge and love of Christ—shape every decision, energise every task, and guide every step.
Prayer: Lord, help us to choose the one thing that matters, to sit at Your feet, hear Your voice, and let our lives reflect Your love above all else, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
