As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” ~Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
Are you familiar with this passage from Luke? Have you ever taken time to think about what the story may have to say to you? I have. When I think about these two women, and the way they occupied their time while Jesus was in their home, I often find myself identifying more with Martha. Sometimes I spend too much time on my work at the church, and too much of my energy as a ministry leader, and not enough time at the feet of Jesus. I spend too much time worrying about daily details and not enough time deepening my relationship with God. It’s easy to get so caught up in the work (which is important) that I can forget what matters even more. Neglecting my relationship with Him can cause me to feel burned out and flat in my faith.
If I want to be a disciple of Christ, and if I want to be an effective leader in the church, I need to spend quality time with God. I need to put aside my busyness and let go of my worries over worldly matters. God will provide me with what I need. Strengthening my relationship with God, while in community with other Christians, can give me renewed energy and a passion to follow God’s call on my life. Worshiping the Father with an open heart, allows the Holy Spirit to move into my life and work through me. Taking time to sit at the feet of Jesus brings revival to my soul.
How about you? Do you identify with either of these women? Do you, like me, find yourself identifying with Martha more often then you would like? Is your faith lacking passion and energy? If so, I encourage you to pause and take a seat at the feet of Jesus. Let Him revive your soul.
Guilty as charged. There are times when I am overwhelmed with doing ministry to the point of failing to sit at Jesus feet, letting him minister to me.
That can definitely be a struggle for people in ministry.