Two sisters welcomed Jesus into their home, but the way they treated Him was quite different.  It seems that the household had three people: Martha the older sister, with the younger Mary and their brother Lazarus (John 12:1-2).  Martha seems to have been ‘in charge’ of all practical arrangements and proactive (John 11:20; John 11:39; John 12:1-2).  She clearly believed that it was her duty to offer hospitality to their guest.  That was the typical Eastern social pattern.  It was most important to leave Jesus in the room while she prepared a meal.

By contrast, Mary believed that listening to what Jesus had to say to her was more important than anything she could do for Him.  Eventually, Martha protested to Jesus that she was doing all the work while Mary was apparently being idle: worse than that, she accused the Lord of being uncaring towards her by encouraging Mary to listen to Him.

Jesus was gentle in His rebuke - but it was a rebuke.  Firstly, he addressed her restless soul, "you are worried and upset about many things".  That day's episode was just the tip of the iceberg: it was a symptom of her unsatisfied soul which was urging her into dutifully feverish activity in the hope of being appreciated and loved.  Secondly, Jesus told her that instead of rushing around trying to make everything right for everybody else (which would never be successful anyway), one thing was essential - to stop all her activity and be still (Psalm 46:10), willing to receive what He had to tell her, so that He could show her the right way.  Thirdly, Jesus commended Mary's determination to welcome the words of Jesus as a first priority; that would have enduring value.

Most people think that they are defined by what they do.  For many, their identity becomes merged with their working role.  But that does not even start to describe who we are.  We are best defined by our reactions, because they expose our motivations and the desires of our hearts (Matthew 15:18-19).  With care and discipline, we can present ourselves in whatever light we choose - like actors on a stage (the Greek word for 'actor' is 'hypocrite') - but when life's circumstances catch us off-guard, we reveal our true nature.  Those who choose to listen to Jesus as a first priority will find themselves being changed from within: their restlessness will be quietened; they will find that the Lord's love is far more satisfying than their futile attempts to gain self-approval and the applause of others.  That is why starting the day with Word@Work has proved to be an essential ingredient in the working lives of many thousands around the world every day.  If that good habit has been overtaken by anxiety, it is time to remember your first priority of letting the Lord's Word work in you, before you work with others.