Week #1: The Foundation of Calling - Follow Jesus

Theology Thursdays

Nov 7

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Am I Called?” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

Every believer’s first and most essential calling is to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Before we do anything for Him, our calling is to know Him deeply.

Luke 10:38–42 (Mary and Martha)

This week, we’ll unpack this foundational calling by exploring the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42. Their interaction with Jesus provides insight into what it means to prioritize God’s presence and how this anchors our entire concept of calling.

Why it Matters:

Priority of Presence: Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, illustrating that following Jesus begins with seeking His presence above all.
Avoiding Distractions: Martha’s busyness highlights how even good intentions can distract us from our true calling.
Ebracing Simplicity in Our Response: Only one thing is needed: Set aside time daily to be with Jesus—this is where calling begins.
Takeaway: Your primary call is not what you do, but who you are in Christ. Start by being present with Him.

Go Deeper:

Many Christians wrestle with the idea of calling. We often ask, "Am I called to do something specific for God?" or "How do I know if I'm truly following His purpose for my life?" Yet, the Bible emphasizes that our calling starts not with what we do but with whom we follow. Before ministry, career choices, or life decisions, our first and primary calling is to follow Jesus. This foundational calling underpins everything else in our spiritual lives.

The Story of Mary and Martha: A Snapshot of Calling

In Luke 10:38-42, we read about two sisters, Mary and Martha, who welcome Jesus into their home. Each sister responds to Jesus' presence differently: Mary sits at Jesus' feet, absorbing His words, while Martha is busy preparing the house and making provisions. Frustrated with Mary’s lack of help, Martha asks Jesus to instruct Mary to join her in serving.

Jesus’ response is surprising. Rather than agreeing with Martha, He gently corrects her, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42, ESV).

This passage sheds light on several core principles of calling.

Priority of Presence: Our Calling Begins with Being with Jesus

Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet demonstrates that the essence of calling is relational. Following Jesus begins not with action but with devotion and presence. Her decision to listen to Jesus was, in essence, her way of answering His call.

This doesn’t mean serving is unimportant; however, it shows our first duty is to be with Jesus, knowing Him and drawing close to Him. We see this idea echoed throughout Scripture:

Psalm 27:4 – "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
John 15:5 – Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

To abide in Christ is to embrace the very core of our calling, which is a life deeply rooted in Him. Any meaningful ministry or purpose we fulfill must start from a place of knowing Jesus personally and loving Him deeply.

Application: Make a habit of spending time with Jesus every day. This could be through reading Scripture, prayer, or simply being still in His presence. Building a life of devotion starts with small, consistent steps that prioritize being with Jesus before doing for Jesus.

Avoiding Distractions: The Danger of Busyness in Calling

Martha’s story reflects the temptation to place productivity and tasks above relationship. Her intentions were good—she wanted to serve Jesus. Yet, her desire to serve distracted her from enjoying His presence. Jesus’ response was not a rebuke of her work, but a gentle reminder that her worry and distraction were misplacing her focus.

Martha was “anxious and troubled about many things,” which echoes a common struggle today. In the age of constant activity, even ministry and good works can overshadow our primary calling to know and love God. This “Martha Syndrome” is a trap for many believers who feel that their value or calling is defined by what they produce rather than by who they are in Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

God calls us first to a peaceful, undistracted relationship with Him. Activities and work are not inherently wrong, but if they overshadow our walk with Christ, they become obstacles.

Application: Identify areas where busyness has crowded out time with Jesus. Set aside these distractions intentionally, whether it’s limiting screen time, reducing commitments, or creating moments of quiet. Practicing spiritual disciplines like solitude and silence can help bring our focus back to the presence of God.

Embracing Simplicity: Focusing on "One Thing"

Jesus told Martha that “one thing is necessary,” pointing to a simplicity in calling. Mary chose that “one thing”—being near to Jesus. This echoes King David’s single-minded desire in Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I asked of the Lord.” Our culture often pushes for multi-tasking and busyness, yet calling, at its core, is simple. Jesus invites us to focus on knowing Him fully.

This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities, but rather aligning them under the priority of following Jesus. When we start with a foundation of devotion, every task, job, or role finds its proper place as a way to honor God.

Application: Practice the discipline of simplicity by focusing on “one thing” each day—meeting with Jesus. Structure your day around this central pursuit. Let everything else flow from that commitment, whether you’re at work, with family, or engaged in ministry.

Practical Steps to Prioritize Our Foundational Calling

The story of Mary and Martha challenges us to evaluate our daily rhythms. Are we filling our lives with tasks and expectations that pull us away from Jesus? Here are some practical steps to help realign with our primary calling to follow Christ:

Create Daily Devotional Time: Set aside at least 15-30 minutes each day to pray, read Scripture, and listen. Let this become a protected time to connect with Jesus.
Simplify Your Schedule: Audit your commitments. Are there tasks or roles that detract from your relationship with God? Consider streamlining or pausing those activities.
Practice Sabbath Rest: Take one day a week to rest from work and focus on God. Use this time to cultivate your relationship with Jesus and find renewal in Him.
Engage in Worship and Thanksgiving: Regularly thank God for His presence and work in your life. Worship keeps our focus on Him and away from distractions.
Seek Community and Accountability: Join a small group or Bible study that prioritizes spiritual growth. Having people to encourage you in your journey with Jesus helps maintain focus.

How does this help me understand, “Am I Called?”

Calling Begins with Being

The story of Mary and Martha invites us into a deeper understanding of calling. At its core, calling is about being with Jesus, knowing Him, and drawing life from His presence. Like Mary, we are invited to sit at His feet and listen. This is where our calling begins and finds its purpose. Whether we serve in ministry, the workplace, or at home, it is all a response to a primary calling that is relational, not transactional.

God calls us not just to a mission, but into a relationship with Him. This week, as we consider our own sense of purpose and direction, let’s remember that the foundation of our calling is to be with Jesus. When we prioritize presence over productivity and simplicity over busyness, we position ourselves to fulfill our true calling in Christ.

God has called every believer to follow Jesus as their primary and ultimate purpose. This calling is simple—it begins with being near to Jesus. In a world that often values doing over being, Mary and Martha’s story reminds us that true calling is rooted in a life anchored in Christ’s presence. As we continue this journey, may we each respond to the invitation to follow Him, not just with our actions but with our hearts.

The question of calling answered: We are all called to Jesus first. Everything else flows from this foundation.

Danny Price