Living a Life like Mary

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. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

Martha was a special lady. Jesus came to town and her first thought was caring for a providing for Him. While her motives were pure and right, her execution of her care was off. She focused more on making her home presentable, cooking all the right foods, fluffing pillows, picking up Lazarus' sock (guys, you know who you are!) and all those other things to provide for Jesus and lacked focus on simply listening. Rather than bustling about feeding their physical bodies, Martha needed to spend time at His feet, listening, learning, and loving.

Now, I can't fault her too much. Often times I find myself placing my focus on working and doing. I, like Martha, grumble and cast a side eye at those sitting and listening. Now, don't get me wrong, we need to work. God didn't call us to sit on the pew of idleness and laziness. However, just as He told Martha, learning and gleaning from God's word has an important place in our lives. When we receive this, it will stay with us. Long after the food has spoiled, the socks return to the floor, and the kitchen becomes messy, God's word and its impact on our lives will remain.

Pastor Brian just spoke about this Wednesday night. In reading a book by Rev. Vance Havner, he learned that those who don't come apart from others for a time of rest will eventually come apart physically, mentally, and spiritually. Mary found her rest sitting at Jesus feet listening. Where is yours?

 So, for those who are like me and are too busy at times to rest, find that sweet spot where you can rest, take the cares of life and place them in a box for a time, and listen to what God has to say. You will not regret it!

C