University Student and Mary's better Choice of Using Time

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV).

Time is a gift from God that can be used either well or poorly. This is illustrated in the famous story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke chapter 10 verses 38 to 42. When Jesus came to visit their home, Mary and Martha used their time in very different ways. Mary “sat at [Jesus]’s feet and listen to his teaching” (v.39, ESV), but Martha scurried about investing herself in the household details that would make Jesus’s visit comfortable. She “was distracted with much serving” (v.40). One could argue that both Mary and Martha were involved in activities that were worthwhile and meaningful. But when Martha expressed dismay that Mary was not helping her, Jesus replied that Mary had made a better choice by using this time to listen to His teaching. Certainly there are times when housework must be done. But because Jesus’s time with them would be brief, the household preparations could wait. Mary seized an opportunity she would not always enjoy; Martha chooses to a second choice that did not serve her well.

As a university student, you can sometime easily “anxious and troubled about many things” (v.41) like Martha was, due to many activities such as going to classes, studying, assignments, projects, presentations, athletics, social time with friends, volunteer work, church activities, university programs, etc. Therefore ask yourself this question: “Of all the important things that I have to do today, what is the first thing first that is critical for me to do now?” Should you first finish your assignment today before you go karaoke with your friends tonight? Should you first study for exams tomorrow today rather than playing computer games all day long or watch movie tonight? Should you first consult the Lord in prayer before you make decision about which event should you go tonight; church event or university event or outside event? All are important – but which is critical for today? Remember, Jesus did not say that what Martha did was wrong. In gentleness he answered Martha and he accepted her hospitality and no doubt appreciated what she was doing – Jesus only said that what Mary was doing was better.

Mary choses to listening to Jesus’s teaching first rather than serving Him. Because of this, Jesus said that Mary “has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (v.42). She seized the moment wisely and Jesus praised her for that. How about you?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.