Choosing the Better Part

As we conclude Mary’s and Martha’s first encounter with Jesus as seen in Luke 10:38-42, we see that we are left with a choice. Not so much a choice of actions, but rather a choice of priority.

Martha chose to allow herself to become overwhelmed with much doing because she thought the things that needed to be done were of utmost importance. She thought her worth and value were wrapped up in her productivity. “I have to get this done, or I will be a ‘failure’”.

Mary, on the other hand, believed taking advantage of this special time with Jesus was what was most important at that moment.

Jesus, in the midst of His rebuke of Martha’s over-occupied and distracted attitude, reminds us that Mary CHOSE the Better Part.

We have discussed how the need for service and hospitality are very important in our efforts to minister to others, but there are times when the BETTER choice is to put down the pitchers and the trays and listen to God’s message for our hearts-BE STILL AND KNOW. Even though serving is a good thing, stopping and seeking the Word of the Lord is the Better Part.

Our responsibilities as believers and servants of our Lord involve both our relationship with Him and with others. However, we must be careful to not put the cart before the horse. Before we can have the proper relationship with others, we must first develop the proper relationship with God.

Ephesians 2:10 is an interesting verse that can speak to both Marys and Marthas. Placed in a section of Paul's letter that encourages the Ephesians to walk worhty of their salvation, it states that we, as new creatures in Christ, have been created unto His workmanship (listen, Mary) to do good works, as (your turn, Martha) He has prepared for us to do.”  We have been created as His masterpiece, not because we have done good works, but in order to ENABLE us to follow His path of good works. According to this verse, and what we have seen from James 2, one of the goals of our salvation is to walk worthy, which involves DOING (Mary) HIS (Martha) GOOD WORKS.

Marthas must practice saying “NO”. Christian inspirational writer, Jill Briscoe wrote along these lines as she encouraged her readers that it is not doing it all that matters. What matters is that we do all He gives us to do.  Keep in mind that I Corinthians 10:13 promises He will never give us more than we can handle. So, let me ask, are we doing what He gives us to do as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23) and not worrying about the rest?

Marys, on the other hand, must practice saying “YES”. Are we looking for ways to have the heart of a grandma and step out of our comfort zones and do something special for someone who needs a little encouragement?

So, whether a Mary or a Martha be, it all comes down to this:

Martha, do you temper your Martha deeds with a devoted Mary heart and take time to “Be Still and Know”?

Mary, do you express your devoted heart with Martha-like deeds with love and compassion?

The choice is ours to make.

Debbie

Coming soon-Does Martha Learn Her Lesson?-the second encounter