Churches are filled with men and women who have an on-the-go attitude. Do this! Go there! Teach a class! Lead the ministry team! Too often, though, our desire to get things doneovershadows our ability to enjoy the Christian life. This can get us off track.
Today's passage offers a perfect contrast between doing andbeing. It reveals Martha and Mary's unique responses to Jesus' visit. We immediately see that Martha is the doer. She runs around cleaning, making the meal, and operating in a whirlwind of activity. Mary, however, is more concerned with simply being. She wants to be near Jesus and absorb every moment of His presence.
Neither sister was necessarily wrong in her response. Martha is often looked down upon in this scene. But, the truth is, she was simply concerned with meeting the needs of her Master. Martha ministered, while Mary engaged in worship.In His rebuke of Martha, Jesus never said Martha was wrong for her actions (Luke 10:41-42). He said only that her busyness wasn't the best thing at that moment. This interaction is a message for the Church to understand how the Lord calls us first to honor Him. Once we are fueled by His Spirit and an intimate encounter with God, we're better prepared to for active ministry.
The church needs a hearty supply of Marthas and Marys. Which are you? If you're a Martha, do you maintain a consistent, intimate relationship with God in the midst of your activity? If you're a Mary, do you allow your private worship to fuel your ministry fire?
Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch
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