Women

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“…a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.” God in human flesh, the Son of God was her guest of honor. He could rain manna on their doorstep, multiply bread and fish, and turn their water into wine. “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” Distracted! She had so much to do, so little time and apparently, so little help. Martha petitioned the omniscient guest to reason with her inconsiderate sister. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Does Jesus care? Is he going to do something about this? “’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered.” Maybe Jesus had to say her name twice to get her full attention. “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” Jesus did know and He did care. He saw right to Martha’s heart, and He knew that her priorities were out of line. What was needed? “Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

Certainly, Jesus Himself had some busy days; healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and feeding 5,000 men. Jesus modeled servanthood more than any other human being. But Jesus accomplished these things without being worried or upset. Martha’s problem wasn’t in that she wanted to serve Jesus. Her problem was in her attitude and priorities. Maybe Martha had missed her morning devotions…

Luke 5:16 (NIV) says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” In order to do His Father’s will perfectly, Jesus needed His Father’s wisdom and power. How much more do we need to do this in order to avoid the “Martha-tudes” of frustration, judgmental attitudes, and even (should I say it?)… whining.

As a pastor’s wife and the mother of five, I have often been guilty of a “Martha-tude” at home, in the work-place, and even at church. I want things done my way, and right away. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) has often helped me to get things in perspective. It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Peace follows prayer. …peace …follows …prayer. In these verses we find the promise and permission to live a life of peace knowing that we can present everything to God. The same God who had patience with Martha will speak the truth to our hearts. When we sit at the feet of Jesus, His plans become our plans. His priorities become our priorities. For me, anything other than this puts me in danger of forming a real “Martha-tude”, and I want to choose what is better…that which will not be taken away.

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