Martha, Martha…

I am sharing excerpts from my e-workbook, Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Home available in the P31 Bookstore.

“Martha, Martha…”

“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

Some of us thrive on serving. I happen to be one of those people. I truly enjoy serving. I like to stay busy. Often, if I have no current project, I will find one. I have work-a-holic tendencies. Yes, I know. That is not always a good thing. Hello, my name is Melissa and I am a Martha.

     I have to focus. I have to consciously make a decision to be like Mary. I have to ask daily (and every night) for God to give me the strength and the self-discipline to wake up early  in the morning to have my devotions. I do enjoy that time. And when I am consistent about it, I really enjoy that time. But it is so easy to fall back into bad habits that I know I have to stay focused.

     Now, this is not to say that there is anything wrong with being a Martha. We are to cultivate a servant’s heart. As followers of Christ, our mission is to teach and serve those around us, that our lives might reflect His.

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The Proverbs 31 Woman  “stretches out her hand to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20).  Not to mention the fact that she looks well to the ways of her household, does the shopping, cooks, cleans, sews, plants a garden…. all with willing hands she does this work. (Proverbs 31:10-31).

    So, what was Christ telling Martha? Was He dismissing her frustration? Didn’t He care that she was slaving away in the kitchen to provide HIM with something to eat?

He knew that she was the type of girl who would put serving (ministry) above her relationship with him.

It really boiled down to what was in her heart. It is very easy for us to give, give, give… and not get around to drinking from the well. Especially if you volunteer at church, PTA, have friends and family who rely on you… or even if you are just a wife and mom… it is so easy to let those forms of ministry and service become the goal rather than your relationship with Christ. He wants you to take time each day to sit at His feet and drink in His Word.

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Do you see yourself in Martha?

Do you enjoy serving others (church, friends, neighbors, extended family, etc.) more than you enjoy serving in your own home?

Today’s Spring Clean Challenge:

• Dust lampshades.
• Dust tabletops and other surfaces with lemon oil or your favorite polish.

Instagram Photo Challenge: Your favorite spot in your home. Use hashtag #p31springclean.