Mary and Martha: Choosing Excellence Over Perfection

Mary and Martha were the sisters of Lazarus in the Bible, and their story plays an integral role in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In Luke 10:38–42, we see a glimpse into their interaction with Jesus:

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

— Luke 10:38–42 (KJV)

Martha was focused on serving, hosting, and making sure the needs of her guests were met. Is that a bad thing? Of course not. We can easily view Martha as a hospitable woman—especially considering she was hosting Jesus Himself. Can you imagine the preparation involved? The food, the drink, the atmosphere—it must have felt like a grand, holy occasion. In Martha’s eyes, she was honoring Jesus by making sure everything was perfect.

But that word—perfection—can trip us up.

When Perfection Himself enters the room, all our efforts at "perfect" pale in comparison. When Jesus steps in, our earthly idea of perfection must bow to the presence of His holiness.

So, was Martha wrong?

Martha reflects many of us—striving, serving, doing. Trying to make it all just right. But in doing so, she missed something sacred. She was so busy doing for the Lord that she missed simply being with Him.

How often do we miss what God is trying to show us because we’re lost in our own busyness? Our pursuit of perfection often becomes a distraction, pulling us away from the very presence of God.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the word “perfect.”

According to Merriam-Webster, perfect is:

“The quality or state of being perfect:

a. freedom from fault or defect: flawlessness

b. maturity

c. the quality or state of being saintly.”

Only Jesus, the Son of God, is truly perfect. As believers, we’re not called to perfection—we’re called to excellence.

According to Google, excellence focuses on continuous improvement and striving for the best, while perfectionism aims for flawlessness and often leads to stress and paralysis. Excellence makes room for grace, growth, and balance.

Martha was reaching for perfection, not realizing that Perfection was already in her home.

Mary, on the other hand, chose something different. She sat at Jesus’ feet, hanging on every word. The Word had become flesh—and was speaking. Hallelujah! While Martha hustled and bustled, Mary listened. Some might have judged her as lazy, letting her sister do all the work. But that wasn’t the case. Mary understood the moment. She recognized the presence of the Lord and chose to soak in His words rather than miss them for a to-do list.

What about us?

Do we pause in the middle of our busyness to notice when the Lord is near? Do we recognize when He’s asking us to simply be still? To sit on the floor and play with our children, even when the laundry is waiting? To put our phones down and spend intentional time with our loved ones? To stop doing, and start abiding?

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:4-11 (KJV)

There is a balance to life. When we walk with discernment and wisdom, we won’t miss moments like Martha did—not because we stopped caring, but because we started listening. Perfectionism was busy. Excellence was still. Perfectionism was anxious. Excellence was attentive.

So, I ask you:

Are you a Martha or a Mary?

Are you striving for perfection, when God is simply inviting you to sit at His feet in excellence?