Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village… 1. This passage suggests important cautions as to domestic, and all worldly affairs. The difficulty here is to pursue the proper medium — to pay sufficient attention to these matters, and yet not to carry that attention to an excessive and hurtful length. On the one hand, let all needful attention be paid by the pious mistresses of families to have everything in their house in a judicious, orderly, and comfortable state, according to the station of life in which they are placed; and let them conscientiously avoid all indolent, careless, and slovenly habits, as they would avoid bringing a scandal on their profession, and prejudicing the worldly against it. In describing the virtuous woman, Solomon says, "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." On the other hand, this care must not be carried to excess; it must not be the chief business; it ought to be managed so as not to interfere with, but to promote, the one thing needful. One breach of duty, in consequence of excessive domestic care, occurs when it is the means of preventing secret and family worship altogether, or of impeding their regular and calm exercise; and this is very similar to the situation to which Martha now reduced herself. Another sinful error, in this respect, is that of giving or requiring from servants more time and attention to the preparation of food, and to other family concerns, on the Lord's-day, than is necessary. 2. Improve this passage as a test of your state and character. Ask yourselves, What has had the chief place in your thoughts — the world and its cares, or Christ and His salvation? 3. Consider the folly, guilt, and danger of neglecting the one thing needful, and the good portion. 4. Let me earnestly urge you all to make Mary's choice. (James Foote, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. |
    |