I find myself often living like Martha, when I truly want to be more like Mary.

Can anyone relate?

Let’s take a look at the story of Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42

Jesus and His disciples had been traveling. They were welcomed by Martha into her home. Jesus began to teach and minister to the group of eager listeners. Mary, Martha’s sister, being one of them. The Message Bible says that “Mary, who sat before the Master, hung onto every word He said.”

Martha was the older sister to Mary and Lazarus. We see this “take charge” kind of personality in Martha. Being the oldest, this tendency for control probably developed while growing up overseeing most of what was happening in their house. Like most older siblings, she was given more responsibilities and held to higher expectations. Martha willingly invited this group of men into their home which was a social requirement in the current culture. In fact, it was considered shameful to turn anyone away. In her gracious hospitality, she diligently began preparations for, most likely, a meal.

This is when things begin to go amiss!

Martha begins to worry about the details and becomes distracted in the busyness. What started as a loving act of service towards Jesus, soon turned into self-serving comparison. She did, after all, ask Jesus to reprimand Mary for not helping. Martha was comparing her service to that of Mary’s lack of service.

Both Mary and Martha were serving Jesus. There is a proper time to sit with Jesus, listening for His voice, being guided by His Spirit, finding comfort and rest in His presence. And there is a proper time to work for Jesus.

Jesus who always speaks truth from a place of love, didn’t shame or condemn Martha. Rather He simply reminded her to re-evaluate her priorities.

The choice Martha made in this situation wasn’t entirely the wrong one, it wasn’t the best one.

A Missed Opportunity

This would have been a good time to let the cleaning and cooking wait. Martha tragically missed the opportunity of sitting in the presence of Jesus.

Imagine, for a moment sitting at the feet of Jesus! I wonder what Jesus was saying.

I know there have been many times where I chose busyness over sitting with Jesus. The “to-do list” is never done. And, being painfully honest, the list will never end. So why do we strive so much in our work, losing all peace and joy, to attain the unattainable?

Though managing our time and aligning our priorities with God’s will is a very real struggle, Jesus teaches us a better way.

• Jesus had a very busy life. He traveled extensively teaching and preaching. He fully understood the call on His life and He obediently went to be alone with His Father. We must also take time to pray and rest in His presence. Matthew 14:23 Mark 1:35

• What began for Martha as initially serving with good intentions, quickly turned into self-serving busy work. Let’s be reminded to serve from a place of love without seeking our own interests. Philippians 2:3-4

• Seek Jesus first before we make our plans and go to work. Trusting in the Lord, giving our to-do list over to Him, will help us realign our priorities. Proverbs 3:5-6

Oh, Heavenly Father, let us always see you and choose you first. Please help us to recognize when our priorities become misaligned-when our serving in love might turn into self-serving busy work. Let our hearts willingly be guided and directed towards your ways. So that our plans align with your call on our life. We love you, we honor and praise you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.