Who Are You Serving

One of many remarkable stories in the Gospels is the story of the sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. As it goes, "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

When it is said that Mary sat at Jesus' feet, it does not insinuate that she was better than her sister Martha, but it simply means that she took a position of humility and listened attentively to His instructions, and was anxious to learn from Him. What we see that sticks out concerning Martha is, she "was distracted with much serving." She was involved with the cares of the family. This does not insinuate that in doing so, Martha had a worldly or covetous disposition. The only fault that could possible be placed on her was she had an earnest desire to make everything perfect for the family and especially Jesus. However, we do see that she developed an attitude towards her sister Mary, as she interrupts Jesus in saying "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."

It is obvious that Martha overstepped her bounds by her improper reproof of Jesus, as if He had encouraged Mary to neglect her duty. Martha also make a demand of Jesus that Mary should stop what she is doing, or from Martha's perspective, not doing and help her serve. Jesus reveals what was going on when He lovingly says to Martha, "you are worried and troubled about many things." Jesus was telling her that she was improperly anxious about those things, and that she should, with Mary, should have chosen to hear what He taught. Jesus was not devaluing what Martha was doing, but simply giving her some loving advice. Jesus also said to Martha, "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Jesus' advice can be seen in this way...

The cares of this life can be dangerous, especially if our sight is off Jesus and on ourselves as to what we consider to be proper and fitting. Nothing of a worldly nature could have been more proper than to provide for the family and the Lord Jesus. Yet, because Martha was too engrossed in her mind, Jesus gently reproved her. So caring for our family and friends may be important, but we cannot allow what we think is right in our eyes override what the Lord is trying to do in, through and for us. We can make specific plans, but if they do not go the way we planned, we can become like Martha, complain and even feel dishonored, devalued or taken advantage of. However, what we must consider, is it of more important to listen to what the Lord is speaking, or is it more important to be engaged in the affairs of the world no matter how noble they may seem to be in our eyes. The one will abide forever; the other will be but for a little time.

There are times when believers should suspend worldly affairs and attend to the affairs of the soul, which Mary chose. There is certainly nothing wrong in serving, every believer is to serve.  The questions we must ask ourselves if we find ourselves in Martha's position are, "Who am I serving?" "Is it out of love?" Will I be offended if someone does not do it my way?" "Am I looking for an at-a-boy?" "Do I feel as though I am I being taken advantage of?" The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us concerning gifts for the believers, "...or ministry, let us use it in our ministering..." (Romans 12:7) The word ministry is described as, one who renders to others, Christian affection especially to those who help meet needs by either collecting or distributing the things that meet or exceed the needs of others.

So, let us not forget that service to one another is a good thing, but also let us remember that we serve one another as we serve the Lord. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10) But let us do it with a joyful heart...