Worried and Bothered

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary…” (Luke 10:41,42a)

Economic recession, inflation, global pandemic, wars, rumors of wars, racism, political and social tensions, gun violence and natural disasters.  

News media makes a living by exposing us to the worst of the worst events in the world (the sensational), with little, if any exposure to the good, normal and best events in the world (the mundane and mildly sensational).  

This of course is because the sensational sells.  

Most people wouldn’t read an article about how a pastor remained faithful to his wife for 50 years, and continues to be a blessing to his local church and community.  And this may well account for 99% of local church pastors.  

But find that one in a million exception of scandal and disgrace, and whoa buddy, you’ve got some readers.

One of the things we know about the human brain and neuro-pathways is that the more we think and act in a particular way, the more natural and easy it becomes.  We even use the expression “second nature”.  This applies, of course, to our habits and disciplines, but it also applies to our influences and inputs.  In physics, the simple equation states that “input = output”.  In other words, what we input – or what we allow in to our mind, life, body, etc., will inevitably determine our output.

So when we are spending regular time in the Scriptures and prayer, in study and in uplifting community, this is what emerges when we are faced with pressure.

Likewise, when we are spending regular time eating junk food, watching trashy tv shows, and immersing ourselves in the hyper negative sensationalism of the news media, this is what emerges when we are faced with pressure.

If we don’t like the output, we must change the input.

There is plenty to be distracted by; plenty to be worried and bothered about, if that’s what we’re looking for.  What are you looking for?

“Martha was distracted… But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42)

We tend to think in extremes, such as “all or nothing,” and I think that causes us to miss the point of this passage. 

Jesus wasn’t condemning hospitality, or any of the good things Martha was doing, but rather He was making a statement about prioritization.  Our one necessity – our greatest assignment is to sit at the feet of Jesus, enjoy His presence, and allow His Words to fill our soul.  Other things can come later, but this first thing must be first.

When our priorities are wrong, we easily slip into anxiety – we easily become worried and bothered about many things.

Perhaps we can take this simple lesson and follow Mary’s example to choose the most important thing first.  Perhaps we can give up our right to be worried and bothered.