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 10:41–42 KJV
Martha, the busy sister of the devoted Mary, has had a lot of bad press over the centuries. “Don’t be a Martha,” we’re told. “Be a Mary.”
But while she’s often criticized, Martha had many good qualities. She was a diligent worker. She was a natural leader with a passion for serving.
The problem is that Martha didn’t take time to sit. And because she didn’t, she missed out on a deeper relationship with the One she served.
As we serve others, it’s so easy to be on the run. But we must take time to sit. Certainly, we want to sit at the Lord’s feet, to be quiet before Him. But we should also sit with those we serve.
Sitting gives us a chance to breathe—and to gain perspective. It gives us time to develop relationships with those we serve.
When the toddler decorates the bedroom with baby powder, clean it up, hug him, and thank God for his energy. Then play a game with him—even if you don’t have time.
After cleaning up a bedridden parent, sit by his side, hold his hand, and talk.
The goodness of these times—the love, respect, and joy—will never be taken away.
Father, I am drained from being on the run. Help me to sit more, both with those I serve and with You.
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
