Choosing the Best

So often in life, we put ourselves on autopilot. We get into a routine and repeat it day after day. I understand this as well as anyone. By nature, I am a doer. I want to be productive. I love having people over, I love making things look pretty, and like to be doing something most of the time. I always have a project in mind that I want to tackle, and when I look around my house or yard, I imagine how it could be better. So, much of the time I am a lot like Martha.

Martha and Mary were sisters and as in most families, they seem to be opposites. When Jesus comes for a visit, Martha welcomes him in and begins to finish her preparations to host Jesus and the disciples that were with him.

Luke 10:38 “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.” 

I can see her scurrying around trying to get things done. Every time she passes where her sister is sitting at Jesus’ feet, she gets irritated. I know how she feels, I’ve been there! However, I have matured enough to understand those are fleshly feelings. They are not of God. Don’t get me wrong, it is rude for you to be invited to a home and not offer to help. Why do I call them fleshly feelings? Because when this happens the wrong attitude sets in. I feel taken for granted, not appreciated, or envious that others are enjoying a moment that I would like to have. Do you see the problem here? The word I is used far too much. When we serve, we should do it out of a heart that wants to extend the love of Christ to others. It is not about us, but about Him.

While Martha was serving, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet. She was listening to His teaching. When I examine what she was doing I can understand why Jesus said she was doing the best thing. She was not just relaxing with their guest, she was learning. Learning from the Master! An opportunity that should not be overlooked.

Luke 10:39 “And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.”

It is very possible, by Martha’s question to Jesus, that she was not serving for the right reason. When serving causes us to be anxious and troubled, it’s time to sit at Jesus’ feet. At this point, we have lost our focus and purpose. Our attitude has turned a privilege into duty. It is a great privilege to serve our Master and we can never do too much for Him, but it must be done only for His glory and not our own.

Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Luke 10:40-42 “But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her, “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.”

Mary did choose the right way to spend her time. It is important that things get done. Without work and organization chaos ensues, but if we are going to grow in our relationship with Jesus, we must put Him first. First thing in the morning should belong to Him. Now I know what you’re thinking, I don’t have time in the morning. However, we all make time for what is important to us. Get up earlier, go to bed earlier, and train yourself to be with Jesus first! Morning may not be your best time to study, but you need to at least spend 15 minutes with him in meditation and prayer. This will make your day go so much better. It will take discipline, but the Christian life is all about discipline. We are training ourselves, with Christ as our strength, to deny the flesh, and feed the spirit.

When we focus on Jesus first, we are never alone. We can find the strength to deal with anything that comes our way. We can be calm in the midst of the storm. We understand that His grace is sufficient for whatever life throws our way.

Hebrews 13:5b “I will never leave you or forsake you”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Starting your day without spending time with Jesus is like a carpenter going to work without his hammer. You will be less productive because you are working with the wrong tools. If we will be a Mary first, then the Martha in us can function much better. We will be calm and understanding. Our service to the Lord will be a gift to him, not a burden to us. We will be a testimony to others of the strength that only a relationship with Christ offers. He will enable us for the task, but it won’t come through osmosis, it comes through spending time with Him.

II Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”