I admit it. Hosting showers and teas lies near the bottom of my list of gifts and talents. It nestles snuggly between ironing and cleaning out the fridge. I’ve accepted this because I believe God intentionally left out that adorable little microchip when He made me. Oh, sure, I can bring a tray of goodies, fragrant flowers (for someone else to arrange), or better yet, plates and napkins. I can greet guests, smile, and pour the punch—all at the same time if needed. But hosting and organizing all the frills? I do better teaching a class, writing a blog, or leading a small group.
Being free to love God and others in our own way gives us confidence and helps the church run smoothly as a Christ-honoring community. Taking a long look at a familiar story in the Bible taught me that it’s better to focus on what I do best and let others work within their God-given talents. Critical spirits should never be on our list of gifts, just ask Martha.
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when He decided to visit His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha set about doing her thing in the kitchen while Mary did hers at the feet of Jesus. I can imagine Martha standing in the doorway, the back of her hand brushing aside the disheveled hair underneath her sweaty headscarf. After peering at sweet little Mary, she voices her complaint, “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.” (Luke 10:40 NLT) Then comes Jesus’ response that has stung every Christian woman at one time or another, “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.” (Luke 10:41-42 NLT)
If you’ve attended church since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, your main takeaway from this story is probably that we should all prioritize sitting at the feet of Jesus. Indeed, that IS the most important thing we can do! However, an underlying lesson jumped out at me at a time when I needed it most. (Thanks, Spirit, for arranging that!)
Martha best demonstrated her love by peeling, chopping, kneading, stirring, simmering, and setting the table. She was a task-oriented servant. Mary, on the other hand, was more introspective. She expressed her love by listening, paying attention, learning, and performing humble acts of kindness.
Even though Martha could be a tad testy, let’s follow her transformation and show her some grace. Lazarus had taken ill and died. Mary and Martha had been grieving the death of their brother Lazarus for four days. When they heard that Jesus had finally arrived, it was Martha who ran to Him while Mary stayed put. Martha confessed her faith in Jesus’ resurrection power and then proclaimed what should endear her to all of us: “Yes, Lord, I have always believed You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one whohas come into the world from God.” (John 12:7 NLT) (I wonder if Mary had told Martha all she had learned while sitting at Jesus’ feet?)
After Martha’s faith-filled conversation with Jesus, she returned to her grieving sister. I imagine Mary with a bowed head and hurt feelings, wondering why Jesus waited so long to come. But then, Martha said just the right words, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” (John 11:28 NLT) Mary ran to Jesus, falling again at His feet. This time for weeping rather than learning.
Jesus miraculously raised Lazarus from the dead, causing quite a stir and leading many to believe in Him. But Scripture doesn’t leave our triumphant trio at the empty grave. There is one more story that offers insight into a very profound underlying lesson.
Six days before Jesus was to be crucified, He returned to the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus for a dinner given in His honor. John tells us that Resurrected Lazarus was reclining at the table. (Perhaps he told Jesus and the other guests about his after-death experience.) Mary, for the third time, was right where you would expect – at the feet of Jesus. Her emotional connection with Jesus moved her to bring Him an extravagant gift of expensive perfume. She anointed His feet with it and then wiped them with her hair. But what about Martha? Did she complain to Jesus again? “Lord, here we are again! I’m doing all the work and she’s just sitting around! Tell her to help me!” No, this time, Martha seemed to understand Mary better. Serving was Martha’s way of showing love to the Master, but time in His presence was Mary’s way.
It’s never good to criticize something we don’t understand. When we criticize someone else’s calling or how they demonstrate their love, it wounds the body of Christ. I know what it’s like to be overly critical of someone else’s acts of love, and I understand how it feels to be criticized. I’ve been drawn several times lately to this quote from Rupertus Meldenius, a 17th-century German theologian:
“In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty (Freedom); In All Things, Charity (Love)”
Just imagine a church with no high horses and no hurt feelings! I believe that’s what God had in mind.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NLT)
Donna Jackson
Lean into Jesus Ministries https://leanintojesus.com
Perfection Road http://perfectionroad.com
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