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This question touches on a passage in the New Testament where two sisters show different behaviors when they come into the presence of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus enters a village and is invited into the house of his friends Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy being hospitable, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him. On first glance it is easy to see why Martha was annoyed, she had been left alone to take care of her guests, however, if we look deeper into what is going on we see that at the root there is difference in what the sisters viewed as important. Mary had chosen to sit with Jesus and listen to what he had to say. She took a position of a disciple which in those days was reserved for men. She was going against cultural expectations but responded the way she did because she valued Jesus above all and wanted to know him more. Martha believed serving Jesus was more important instead. Jesus rebukes Martha because her focus was not on the “necessary” thing, knowing and being with Jesus.

This story shows us that in life we make may choices between Jesus and very good choices, not just sinful choices. It tells us even good things can become replacements for knowing and honoring Jesus. He is the treasure with no comparison on earth and indeed he and his kingdom are the “good portion, which will not be taken away” (Luke 10:42).