Mary and Martha
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.
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. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10: 38-42
Insight
I am not a "sit down and rest" kind of girl.
I like things in order and am always eager to help. Planning ahead for dinner, tasks, and life, in general, brings me great comfort. I love preparing food for people and sending cards just as much as hosting friends at our house and serving them. If allowed, I would love to pick up every person on the street and take them to Chick-Fil-A for a meal. God has wired me with a heart to serve.
Since I enjoy it, I rarely have to decide if I should help when I see a need. The answer is usually, "I am happy too," because serving fills me with joy. I love people, caring for them, and meeting their needs. It's a blessing to me to extend and show others a glimpse of the overwhelming and sacrificial love Jesus lavishes upon me.
With that said, resting is my struggle. If things are out of place, I have difficulty sitting and listening. I like to ensure my tasks are completed before I sit and read, engage in conversation, or watch a movie. If the dishes in my sink are done, then I am all yours! It's hard for me to admit, but I am a Martha.
Martha was all about fixing the dinner and being the "hostess with the mostest." After all, a special guest was in their presence - dinner wouldn't serve itself. On the other hand, her sister Mary rested at Jesus's feet, listening to Him teach. If the casserole burned, so be it. At that moment, Mary needed to absorb all the words of Jesus and not be distracted.
Martha was doing the practical parts of the day, which was her need. Maybe Martha was a little like me; let me complete the tasks so I can lean in to listen fully. This might sound odd, but both ladies served from their strengths that day. Mary gave Jesus her full attention. While she showed Jesus value by hanging on to His every word, Martha prepared and cared for His physical needs.
Serving can look like Martha, being busy with duties and tasks for someone. But, serving can also look like Mary, providing a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Both are so important.
One without the other displays a distorted picture of the beauty of the Gospel to the world around us.
We can spend all our time listening to Jesus and digging into His wisdom, all in the name of "going deeper." Yet, if all that wisdom isn't put into action, our faith remains shallow. With that said, if we constantly serve, relying solely on our strength, ability, and resilience, we will burn ourselves out while making our acts all about us and not Christ.
Scripture reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Our society tends to be self-serving, self-dependent, and self-absorbed. We create very little room for seeing needs or desiring to help each other. Living like Jesus requires a new way to turn ourselves outward. Serving is loving, needed, and an essential work of the Gospel.
Reflection
Are you willing to ask Jesus to stretch you in serving others?
How can you share the love of Jesus with others while serving?
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for being the full expression of serving others. You came to earth to serve and not be served, sacrificing Your life to serve us all. Help us to see people and give them value by loving them well. Stretch us in uncomfortable spaces that may differ from what we know. We trust that You will put us in front of someone we can serve and will have opportunities to show Your love to them. Let our connection with You fuel our heart for others. In Your name, Jesus Amen.
Cindy Stauffer, Administrative Assistant at our Wilmington Campus, wrote today's devotional.