Five Percent

November 2, 11:01 AMCharlotte Spiritual Living ExaminerBlake Bouldin

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In Luke chapter 10 you’ll find this account.  ^“As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."  I have read this passage over 100 times in my life but I have never really understood what Jesus meant when he says to Martha, “you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.  Only one thing is essential..” until now.  Let me explain.

Recently I read a book by Wayne Cordeiro entitled Leading On Empty.   In the book Coreiro talks about the 5% principle which is explained this way.  Eighty-five percent of what we do, anyone can do.  In other words, when it comes to answering e-mails and checking messages, attending meetings and making simple day to day decisions about life, anybody can do that.  Ten percent of what we do, someone with just a little training should be able to accomplish.  For instance, with appropriate schooling and experience someone else can lecture, fill a filling, or preach a sermon on Sunday.  But five percent of what we do, only we can do.  THIS is what Jesus is explaining to Martha when he says only one thing is essential.

You see, all of us have things that only we can do.  Only I can have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  Only I can be a good husband and father to my children.  Only I can treat my body with the respect and care it deserves. That is why these things must be the primary focus of my life.  These are the essentials.  Jesus makes this point very clear to Martha.  Has anyone gotten through to you?  What’s the five percent in your life that really matters?  Don’t waste one more day figuring it out because your choice of what is most important ultimately shapes your soul.