“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42
Dallas Seminary professor J. Dwight Pentecost said that “to be occupied with Christ is more important than to be occupied for Christ.” We see both of these in the story of Martha and Mary, and it was Mary who chose “the good part”. What about you?
James Smith wrote, “The things of time are transient, the things of eternity are permanent. The world passeth away. The body must die; earthly connexions must be dissolved; but the soul must live for ever. The welfare of the soul is the one thing needful. If the soul is in a sanctified and healthy state, it will be found at the feet of Jesus; it will relish His words; and enjoy His communications more than the riches feast. We shall be seeking to know Him, love Him, believe Him, obey Him, and enjoy Him. Fellowship with Jesus is needful as an evidence of interest in Him, and as a source of satisfaction and comfort. He that finds a home at the feet of Jesus, will enjoy an eternal heaven in the presence of Jesus. Let not then the many trifles of time affect, distract, and bewilder you; but let the one thing needful be the constant object of pursuit and desire. Live at the feet of Jesus, and you are safe. Seek, above all things, to enjoy Jesus, and you will be happy. Aim in all things to glorify Jesus, and you will be holy. Look daily for the coming of Jesus, and you will be consistent. O Jesus! manifest Thyself to me; draw me to Thy feet, and keep me there!”
Engage this roving, treacherous heart
To fix on Mary’s better part;
To scorn the trifles of a day,
For joys that none can take away.
