Toy Stories: Barbie — Modest vs. Manipulative - Friday
Today’s Verse
Luke 10:41b-42a
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” (ESV)
All week long, we’ve explored what it looks like for women to embrace modesty as a lifestyle. We’ve studied what this actually means from a biblical perspective—operating in an orderly, well-arranged way, with reverence and self-control—and we’ve recognized the value of it for our own sake and, most importantly, for the sake of God’s kingdom. We’ve looked at modesty in the context of appearance and speech, and today, we’ll wrap up the week by applying this concept to what we do and how we steward our time.
But I must confess that this is my least favorite category of them all… because I’m terrible at it. One of my biggest struggles in life is knowing who and what to give my time to, and knowing how much time to give—and it seems like there’s always something or someone that’s shorted.
I know many of us resonate deeply with Martha in Luke 10:38-42. She’s just a woman trying to meet everyone’s needs and get stuff done, because who else is going to do it? Between school, sports, work, church, friendships, marriage, motherhood, homemaking, caregiving, and more, there’s always so much to do and so many people who need us. We are called to make the best use of our time by filling our plates with good things, but with all the options worthy of our attention (some even dependent on it), how is it possible to maintain a well-arranged plate of appropriate portions without something missing or spilling over?
After Martha’s exasperated outburst, Jesus gently responds, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better…” (NIV). When I think of the women in my life whose priorities are well-arranged, they all have one thing in common. It’s not what time they wake up, or what kind of planner they have, or their meal prep strategies, or how many time management books/podcasts they consume. They all know the one necessary thing—and they choose it over everything else. Their minds and hearts are set on Jesus from the time they wake up to when their heads hit the pillow. Instead of sacrificing time with Him to get more done, they’re relentless about being in His Word daily. They express their anxieties to Him, seek His wisdom on what to say “yes” and “no” to, and follow where He leads without concern for opinions that don’t matter. Their lives aren’t perfect, and they make mistakes and let people down sometimes. But they consistently choose what’s best, and He helps them navigate the rest.
APPLICATION
Do you know someone who seeks after Jesus wholeheartedly and seems to balance their time and priorities well? Invite them to grab coffee with you, and ask them how they’ve learned to do this well.
PRAYER
God, grant me discernment in how I steward my time and responsibilities. Help me avoid distraction, and grow my discipline in spending time with You daily, that I may know You more and be able to discern Your voice.
