"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
While pondering over the past couple of months, I have realized that I spend
more time with the things of this world than with the treasures that God has
placed in the world. (THINGS) The dishes need to be done, the carpet
vacuumed, the meals prepared, the windows washed, the rooms tidied up, the
floors swept (don't spend too much time with the broom or you might turn into
a witch. HA, HA.) Oh! What is there that does not need to be done?
(TREASURES) The most important treasure we have is God's Word. Are we spending
enough time in it? Are we filling ourselves up with enough of Christ that we
have plenty to give away and share with others? Our God-given treasures need
to be cared for too. Children need to be played with and taught, husbands need
to be loved by their wives, while many people around us need to be ministered
to. If our spirits are running on empty all of the time (from not spending
enough time in the Word) - then we will not be able to spend time with and
minister to our treasures that God has given us.
Notice in Luke 10:42 (above), that the Lord said "it shall not be taken away
from her (Mary)." It is when we spend time in the Word, as Mary did (at the
feet of Jesus) that we learn the eternal value of our God given treasures.
While reading about Mary and Martha, I long to be like both ladies. Mary sat
at the feet of Jesus, and was made full of the things of God. We can not share
God to others if we have no knowledge of him. Mary was indulging her spirit
while Martha was busy working and serving. Can you imagine being busy with
housework and serving while the God of the universe was sitting in your
house, on your couch? If in the same situation as Martha, would we neglect the
Lord, to take care of our things? Unfortunately, many of us are guilty of this
very thing - I know I am! The God of the universe is still here with us today,
and reveals himself to us through His Word. Are we neglecting Him (our
Bibles), leaving him alone on the couch, or on a nightstand, or on a
bookshelf. Or are we sitting at the feet of our Master? While reading this
story - I realized that I am too much like Martha, and not enough like Mary.
The Lord wants us to have a balance of these two ladies.
Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
Make the Word of God your loveliest treasure. In Matthew 6:21 and in Luke
12:34 the Bible says "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also." This verse was important enough to be in the Word twice! If you find
your treasure in the Word of God, then your riches will be eternal. Mary's
treasure was at the feet of Jesus, and the Lord said - "it would not be taken
from her."
I came across this little poem about Mary and Martha - I hope you enjoy!
My Martha Side
My house is a tyrant, demanding each hour. Imperiously ordering: "Sweep, mop
and scour! Do the dishes, the laundry, then iron, dust and cook! And there's
mending to do if you'll just take a look. Now, Martha, get busy and don't
waste a minute: dirt is a sin, and you're wallowing in it!"
My Mary Side
My housework can wait...There's a friend I must see, who's lonely and
frightened, she's looking for me. Then I'll tidy up quickly and hurry to hear
that fine missionary we support every year. Home again, "Father, than You,
please help me to care for the hungary and homeless who live in despair."
Mary-Martha-Me .
Martha nags me to keep my house spotless each day; and Mary says gently, "I
need time to pray."Martha's concerned with "what neighbors might think if they
dropped in and found dishes stacked in the sink." While Mary chides, "Selfish!
I think it's a crime if you don't share with others your talents and time."
My Prayer
Oh God, in compassion, so order my days that Mary might serve Thee and Martha
may praise Thee.
Taken from Things Happen When Women Care by Emilie Barnes (I received this in an e-mail one day.. and thought it was just to good to keep all to myself. I sure hope it has helped you today, like it has helped me.)
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