By Danielle Williams
“Are You a Martha or a Mary?”
Read Luke 10:38-42
As I sat and meditated on the verse of scripture in Luke about Jesus visit to Martha and Marys house, the question came to mind, are you a Martha or a Mary? I quickly realized that I resemble Martha in every area of my life. Martha invited Jesus in but was distracted by her many duties: making dinner, serving, cleaning, making everything perfect for Jesus visit. (Luke 10:38, 40) The word distracted means to be unable to concentrate because ones mind is preoccupied. She then became upset with her sister Mary because she was not helping her serve. There is nothing wrong with serving and working, however when Jesus knocks at the door of your heart and you invite him in, give him your full attention. Mary did just that, she took advantage of the presence of the savior, humbled herself and sat at his feet. (Luke 10:39)
I love the Lord, I invite him into my day, but then easily become distracted by the many responsibilities as a woman, wife, mother, intercessor, friend, caregiver, full time employee, and the list can go on and on. I forgot to mention that I am a perfectionist. I want my house and children to look like something out of a magazine, clean, without spot or wrinkle. Although having a third child has somewhat delivered me from doing everything perfect because it is something weird about having three kids, it feels like I have ten (LOL) and I just do not have the energy to make everything perfect. However, from time to time that perfectionist spirit hits me, and I stop and remember that I am not called to be perfect but obedient to the assignment that God has called me to.
Part of our assignment as believers is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might. (Psalm 119:11) When you love someone, you want to spend uninterrupted time with them, look them in the eyes when they speak, and receive with humility what they give. Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 The word sup in this scripture means to dine or have fellowship. The Lord knows that we have many responsibilities in this life, but He wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. So how do we make this practical in our terribly busy lives. Start your day with thanksgiving and prayer instead of checking your phone. As your getting the kids ready for school or daycare, worship. Throughout your day as you are making decisions stop and ask God what you should do and do not make a decision until He answers. On the ride home from work, school or the store, play praise and worship music and sing alone instead of talking on the phone. Let us be like Mary and savor the moments we have with Jesus uninterrupted!
Dear Heavenly Father, I am godly sorry for missing the moments when I invited you in to my heart and then became distracted by the cares of this world. Forgive me Lord. Make me more aware of your presence so that we can fellowship and love on one another. Help me to stay focused on you during our times together. Thank you in advance for the beautiful things that are going to birthed through our coming together. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. It is so and so it is.