Mary and Martha

Hey there and welcome back to my blog! If ya dont know me, I’m Lilly! A fun, spunky gal who really loves Jesus. I’m beginning to write this before work, before 6:30am on a monday because after I read a passage of John, the Lord gave me a little word that I wanna share. So, let's get to it!

I’ve been reading this book called “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” and man it’s been good. It’s been all about conquering business without falling into laziness or removing yourself from serving altogether. The book comes from the passage in Luke where Jesus is in Mary and Martha’s living room and Mary is just sitting at Jesus’ feet and Martha storms in and says something to the effect of “Jesus, aren’t you going to tell my sister to get up and help me?!” and Jesus says so gently, “Martha, you are doing all these things, but you are missing me.”

The passage is short, and we don’t know what Martha’s response to Jesus’ gentle rebuke was but I do know that there’s so much we can take from this story, and hear me out on this: I’m not going to tell you to not be a Martha.

Yeah that’s right, I’m not here to call out the busy gal and tell you to stop being a freakin Martha.

What I’m learning through God’s word and this book that I’ve been reading is that it wasn’t Martha’s actions that was the problem, in fact, she was doing a good thing! Martha loved Jesus, let’s get that straight. She loved him, she wanted to be at his feet. How many times have I been in Martha’s shoes… sweating and running around like a crazy person trying to get things done while I watch as others sit in my Father’s presence. I feel anger bubble up in my stomach as I want for someone to come help me so I can sit at my Jesus’ feet, only to be stilled by my sweet Jesus’ voice saying, “Lilly, come sit. Come and let me dwell in your heart and make it my home. Come and be, child.”

But let be clear, Martha was not rebuked because of her actions, in fact, we are called to serve. In James chapter 2, he says, “Faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.” (vs. 17) and goes on to say, “You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, his faith was made complete.” (vs. 22)

So, you see, it was not Martha’s desire to serve, it was her heart. She was tired, she was frustrated and honestly, she was probably jealous of her sister getting to just sit before Jesus in awe of his presence. This was no excuse for her attitude, but I understand because wow, the times I’ve been caught in her shoes.

But it’s not about “not being a Martha” or “being a Mary”, it’s taking time to be both. I should be able to sit at the feet of Jesus and just be, like Mary. I want to sit and dwell in his presence and tell him how much I love him and ask questions and just be, with Him. But James said it best, what good is it if we have faith and no works? I love Martha’s drive to do things for others. I love that she wanted to cook this whole feast for Jesus, I believe this whole thing started in a place of love! In just looking at Mary and Martha in Luke 10, we need to be Mary and Martha. When we are truly abiding in the Spirit and asking to be used, God will balance us. He draws us near and sends us out, just like a good Father.

So, to all my gals who are tired, one’s who everyone calls a “Martha”, know that God has given you such a sweet gift to serve, but oh sweet one, do not lose sight of our Jesus in the midst of that. Do not let the Enemy take you away from the spirit. And always remember that it’s okay, no it’s encouraged, that  if you feel like your heart is bitter and angry in serving, to step back for a moment to get right with Jesus, and then, when the Spirit leads, get back to using those gifts that God has given you.

Be encouraged, gal pals.

With oodles and noodles of love,

Lil

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