My Priorities (Linton Hall Sermon)
May 10, 2026
Luke 10:38-42 CSB – While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38 CSB – While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
Luke 10:39,40 CSB – She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
Luke 10:41 CSB – The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
What’s the Problem?
John 5:17 CSB – Jesus responded to them, “My Father is still working, and I am working also.”
Luke 10:41 CSB – When Jesus says, Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,42 but one thing is necessary.
Martha is Dragged Around by False Beliefs
Martha is Dragged Around by Fear
Luke 10:41-2 CSB – “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus’ Solution to Hurry-Sickness
- Focus on an audience of ONE.
Luke 10:41-2 CSB – “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,42 but one thing is necessary.
Psalm 103:11, 13 CSB –
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his faithful love
toward those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Jeremiah 29:11,12 CSB – For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
- Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t control
John 15:4-5 CSB – Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.
Proverbs 3:5-6 CSB –
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 127:1-2 CSB –
Unless the Lord builds a house,
its builders labor over it in vain;
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain.
2 In vain you get up early and stay up late,
working hard to have enough food—
yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.
Practical Action
1. Commitment to Eliminate Hurry From Your Life
Matthew 6:33-34 CSB – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
2. Admit Your Limitations
- Ask: What do I need to say “no” to?
3. Honestly Confront Your Fears
- Ask: Who am I trying to please?
- Ask: Admit your fear of missing out
Proverbs 3:5-6 CSB –
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.
4. Commit to Disciplines That Put Jesus First
- Sabbath
- Tithing
- Bible reading & prayer
Matthew 11:28 CSB – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
