Nothing To Prove - Encouragement for Today - October 12, 2026
Nothing To Prove
Brittany Salmon
Author of Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Earn
“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42, NIV).
Since I was a little girl, I haven’t wanted to let Jesus down. I’ve worked hard to be a good Christian. Friends and family applauded my efforts since much of what I was doing appeared good. But with every new accomplishment, I felt the need to do more.
And I know I’m not the only one.
I know so many women who are exhausted from serving their communities. We work, volunteer, make meals, listen to friends, and support our families. And we do it with excellence in the name of Jesus. But sometimes in all the hustling, we miss the main point.
No passage captures this tension more accurately than Luke 10:38-42. We’re introduced to two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha opened her home to Jesus and the disciples, and she was busy with all the many preparations needed to host guests. Mary, on the other hand, rather than helping her sister, sat at Jesus’ feet.
This would be a recipe for disaster in any family — or at least it would be in mine! So, as one can imagine, some sisterly drama ensued, and Martha turned to Jesus with her frustration:
“‘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. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:40b-42, NIV).
As a child, the main point I took away was: Don’t get so busy that you miss the important things in life. But as I’ve studied the passage, I no longer believe that the main message is about busyness.
It’s about who Martha and Mary were becoming.
Martha was becoming a frustrated and worn-out woman from all of her “doing” for Jesus. Mary was becoming a person who chose His presence and worshipped Him.
So Jesus invited Martha to a better way of life — to become a person who was more enamored with God Himself than performing for Him.
And He’s extending that same invitation to you today.
God adores you not because of how amazing you are or how hard you hustle but because when He sees you, He sees a beloved daughter. He suffered so that you could have life and life abundantly. So, sister, walk confidently in that good news today.
You have nothing to prove and nothing to earn because Jesus paid it all.
God, thank You for inviting me to rest as a daughter of a good and holy Father. When I get distracted by what needs to be done, would You help me prioritize adoring You over doing things for You? Help me long for You above everything else. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
If today’s devotion resonates, grab a copy of Brittany’s book Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Earn and join her on a six-week Bible study that helps women step off the treadmill of performance and guides us toward discovering significance in what matters most.
ENGAGE
You can connect with Brittany at brittanynsalmon.com or on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Luke 10:38-40a, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (NIV).
Are you a person who is trying to do the most for Jesus, or are you a person who is so enamored with Him that you can’t help but want to be with Him?
What’s one way you can choose to rest in Christ today? Share with us in the comments!
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
