First Things First

Mary and Martha are biblical sisters that have been talked about a lot. They’ve been the object of Bible studies, discussions, arguments and more. They were probably the talk of the town back in their day.

Sisters don’t always get along. Obviously Mary and Martha didn’t. Their personalities were very different.  I remember my own sister, who was 23 years older than me. We saw life very differently, argued about things and agreed to disagree at times. As we got older we began to see more of our likenesses than our differences. We didn’t know as we grew closer that we wouldn’t have much more time together, but God in his mercy doesn’t let us know everything all at once.

Sisters do things differently.  It’s apparent that Mary and Martha were the same.

Martha was intent on figuring out how she might feed the Lord; Mary intent how she might be fed by the Lord.

Both things were needful. They had a special guest in their home and Martha wanted her meal to match the Visitor. I get that. Often when we have company I stress and fuss about the food and the house. I get to thinking I need a week off to clean, shoot – even remodel – the house! I want to make something special, which may translate to “hard to make”.  Finally by the time it’s all over, I have relaxed and the guests feel at home and we have a good time.

Mary was so excited to see Jesus that she just couldn’t take her eyes off of Him. She was so busy enjoying the fellowship she forgot all about the food.  She was feasting on the Manna present in human form right there in her living room. 

Often we get busy being busy. All our busy-ness has its place. We just have to do dishes, wash laundry, vacuum floors, make the bed, cook, buy things, pay bills, etc. All of us either work outside the home or in the home. Our yards have to get mowed occasionally, the oil has to be changed in the vehicles, the tires need replacing and kids need help. Husbands and wives need time for themselves and families need time for fun.

If we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves overwhelmed with the busy-ness of life and let the spiritual side of our lives wane. It’s the unseen part of our lives in many ways so it’s the easiest to let go. If you don’t mow your yard folks are going to know right away. If you don’t spend time with the Lord, people don’t always know right away.

Oh beloved, have you been worrying about the stuff of life? Have you slipped into busy and not realized that it’s taking the place of your needful things? Maybe you’re in church, but you have forgotten that you’re in Christ. While it’s easy to do, there is One Who wants to call you into sweet fellowship! God has a wonderful plan for your life and it is full of time for both the physical demands of life and the spiritual needs as well. In fact, when your spirit life is being filled, you will find that the other things just fall into place. Stop and take a moment to sit at the feet of Jesus, for that is where  your peace, your joy, your faith reside. Without your special time together, you’ll be running through the motions on empty, but filled with His love and care, you will find your life tuned up and running a lot smoother! He loves you and He’s for you! Ask Him and He will give you more Mary time in this Martha world.

Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”  But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 5:3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.