Distracted or Listening? • Sunday, July 20, 2025

The Art of Being Served: Finding the One Necessary Thing

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, responsibilities, and obligations. We often pride ourselves on our ability to serve others, to multitask, and to keep all the plates spinning. But what if, in our eagerness to serve, we're missing out on something far more important?

The story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who welcomed Jesus into their home, offers a profound lesson on priorities and the true meaning of service. As the tale goes, Martha busied herself with preparations, likely wanting everything to be perfect for their esteemed guest. Mary, on the other hand, chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening intently to his teachings.

At first glance, Martha's actions might seem commendable. After all, isn't hospitality a virtue? Isn't serving others a noble pursuit? Yet, as the story unfolds, we see Jesus gently admonishing Martha: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary."

This moment invites us to pause and reflect on our own lives. How often do we find ourselves in Martha's shoes, "distracted with much serving"? In our desire to do good, to be productive, to meet expectations, we can easily lose sight of what truly matters.

The concept of distraction is a powerful one. It's not just about the occasional wandering thought or the ping of a notification on our phones. Distraction can be far more insidious, creeping into the very fabric of our values and beliefs. In today's world, we're bombarded with voices vying for our attention – news outlets, social media, cultural trends. These voices can shape our morality, our values, and our understanding of what it means to live a good life.

But Jesus points us to "one thing" that is truly necessary. This "one thing" is God's Word – the source of truth, wisdom, and life itself. It's not just another voice among many; it's the voice that should inform and shape all others.

This raises a crucial question: Should what is necessary always be our highest priority? The answer, it seems, is a resounding yes. Without first receiving from God, without being rooted in His truth and nourished by His presence, how can we hope to serve others in a way that truly matters?

This principle is beautifully illustrated in the sacraments of baptism and communion. In baptism, we don't baptize ourselves – we receive this gift of grace from God through His servants. In communion, we don't help ourselves to the elements – we are served, receiving the body and blood of Christ as a gift. These acts of worship remind us that at the core of our faith is not what we do for God, but what God has done for us.

Jesus himself exemplified this when he said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." The ultimate act of service was Christ giving himself for us. Our service to others flows from first being served by Him.

This doesn't mean that serving others is unimportant. Far from it! But it does mean that our service should be rooted in and flow out of our relationship with God. When we prioritize receiving from Him – through His Word, through prayer, through worship – we are equipped and empowered to serve others with genuine love and grace.

So how do we apply this wisdom to our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Prioritize time in God's Word: Make reading and meditating on Scripture a non-negotiable part of your day.

2. Be present in worship: When you have the opportunity to gather with other believers, be fully present. Set aside distractions and engage wholeheartedly.

3. Receive with gratitude: Whether it's in baptism, communion, or simply receiving a word of encouragement from a fellow believer, practice receiving God's grace with thankfulness.

4. Serve from overflow: Let your acts of service flow from what you've received from God, rather than from a sense of obligation or a desire to earn favor.

5. Be discerning about influences: Be mindful of the voices you allow to shape your values and beliefs. Always measure them against the truth of God's Word.

6. Practice the art of listening: Like Mary sitting at Jesus' feet, cultivate the ability to truly listen – to God and to others.

7. Embrace seasons of being served: There are times in life when we need to allow others to serve us. Don't resist these moments out of pride or a misplaced sense of self-sufficiency.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let's remember that there is indeed "one thing" that is truly necessary. It's not our busyness, our productivity, or even our well-intentioned service. It's our relationship with God, nurtured through His Word and His presence.

May we have the wisdom to recognize when we're being "distracted with much serving" and the courage to choose the better portion. For in receiving from God, we find not only what we need for ourselves but also the true source of all we have to offer others.

In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and non-stop activity, there's a beautiful counter-cultural message in learning to be served – first by God, and then by others. It's in this posture of receptivity that we find true freedom, joy, and the ability to serve others from a place of genuine love and abundance.

So today, amidst all the voices clamoring for your attention and all the tasks demanding your time, remember: there is one thing that is truly necessary. Will you, like Mary, choose that good portion?

In Christ's Love,

Pastor Paul Pett

(Content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)