February 3, 2026

Too Many Meetings

Luke 10:40-42 – But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.

The calendar notification chimes again—your fourth meeting of the morning. You close the document you’ve been trying to write for three days and join another video call. Status updates, project reviews, alignment sessions. Each seems necessary, each gathering important. Yet at day’s end, the actual work—the report that needs finishing, the analysis requiring deep thought—remains untouched. Tomorrow’s calendar looks identical, already filled with colored blocks that promise collaboration but deliver fragmentation.

This workplace reality mirrors a deeper spiritual challenge. Like Martha bustling about with preparations while Jesus sat in her living room, we fill our lives with activities that crowd out what matters most. We become “worried and upset about many things” while the “one thing” essential goes neglected.

Israel’s religious leaders exemplified this. They multiplied ceremonies and rituals while neglecting “justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). The church at Ephesus maintained impressive religious activity yet had forsaken their “first love” (Revelation 2:4). Secondary matters consumed the space meant for primary purposes.

King David, despite ruling a kingdom with constant demands, recognized what deserved priority. “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4). With countless responsibilities competing for attention, he refused to let busyness eclipse communion with God.

The tyranny of the urgent masquerades as importance, filling our calendars while starving our souls. Productive planning has its place, but it must serve greater purposes, not replace them. The question isn’t whether we’re busy—it’s whether our busyness moves us toward what ultimately matters.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me distinguish between busyness and fruitfulness in my life. Amen.

Reflection Question: What activities that seem important might actually be crowding out the essential things God wants from you?