The Main Thing : Luke 10:38-42
We live distracted lives. We can easily become distracted - even by good things, spouses, children, jobs, ministry to others; we want to do good things, but we loose sight of the main thing - the focus - that gives us the energy, focus and purpose to do the things we desire to do. We loose sight of the main thing.
In the story of Mary & Martha, Martha was doing what she thought was good and right. In an ancient eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty; guests were seen as being 'sent by God'. Martha was doing all she knew to do to love her guests. She was distracted by all the preparations.
Jesus tenderly comes to Martha and says "Martha, Martha..." he shows us his tenderness by using her name twice; once would have been a statement of rebuke or strength; three times would have been condescending; but twice is tender.
He didn't say all the preparations were unimportant but it was an issue of priority. Martha must learn to give the Lord, and His word priority - even over loving service - He is the main thing - always.