We don’t want to pass by this story in Luke, the only gospel that tells it:

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10.38 – 42, ESV)

I just wrote about the importance of not being merely a listener, but there is a time for listening. Mary “…sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” Meanwhile, “Martha was distracted with much serving.” Serving Jesus! A good thing, yes? Not in this case.

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.

The lesson is clear: Jesus values a relationship with us more than our frantic serving. Obedience? Yes. Anxious, distracted serving? No.

That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1.3, ESV)

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1.9, ESV)