Article July 5, 1969 Issue

"In quietness and in confidence"

HOWARD WESLEY ELKINS

In the home of Martha in the village of Bethany nearly two thousand years ago, a dinner was being prepared for an honored guest. Jesus of Nazareth was there, sharing with the household the truths revealed to him by his heavenly Father. At his feet sat Martha's sister, Mary, drinking in each word.

As Mary listened in rapt attention to the Master, Martha came and complained to Jesus, saying, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."^{Luke 10:40;} After compassionately rebuking Martha for her absorption in mundane matters, the Master said, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Never one to encourage sloth, Christ Jesus was undoubtedly aware that Mary's spiritual intuition had told her that quiet listening at that moment was far more important than any human sense of activity. His words endorsed her stand of the moment; perhaps we might even see in them something more: his recognition that Mary had chosen to base her concept of life upon that which transcended the fleeting, perishable, and imperfect.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Stature or Status Symbols?