Mary (Martha’s sister)

Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

In the last devotional on Martha, we read the story and looked at a proper perspective of hospitality, and how Martha was worried over the little things in that moment in time, and needed to realize the importance of listening to the words of the Master. We mentioned briefly that the lesson we could learn goes beyond hospitality but also in every aspect of life. In this devotional, I would like to deepen our thinking, and cause us to really judge whether we are more like Martha, or Mary.

First of all, I can sympathize with Martha, because as the keeper of my home, I find myself running around like crazy cleaning an otherwise messy house before a friend will stop by. I often get looks from my husband like I’m trying too hard to impress, and maybe I should just let them know who we really are… But we do that, don’t we? We will do whatever it takes to appear to have it together. We will stress ourselves out over things that do not matter because we feel it defines us.

Let’s examine Mary just a little closer. Why was she ignoring her sister’s need for help? Was it because she was lazy? No. On the contrary, Mary had it all together. As mentioned before, she realized that the little things didn’t matter, but the conversation and lessons she could learn from Jesus did. What did Jesus mean when he said that one thing was needful? He told Martha that Mary had chosen it, and it would not be taken away from her. What does that mean for us? Let’s put these ideas and attitudes to the test in our daily lives.

What do we value more, volunteering in the community and giving to charities, or inviting people into our home for a bible study, doing what we can to teach people how God wants them to live? What will be more beneficial in the long run? Both are great, but there is one thing that separates them. It’s the state of mind, the priorities. One is carnally minded; the other is spiritually minded. Don’t get me wrong, volunteering in our community or giving to charities is a great work, and can be used to glorify God, but if that’s all we are doing with our time, then we are missing the point. One thing is needful, and that is that the gospel is spread and people are saved by it.

Mary is a great example to remind us to keep our focus on things above, not on things of the earth. It is completely one hundred percent unnatural for us, but that is why we are told to renew our minds.

Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I don’t believe this verse is just simply talking about how we change our way of life, and put away sinful behavior for Godly behavior, but it says to renew our minds, meaning it goes beyond our works to our thought process. After all, Martha wasn’t acting in some sinful way, she was doing a good work in her serving, but her priority wasn’t where it needed to be.

In Matthew chapter six Jesus says not to even think about food, or drink, or clothes, because our Heavenly Father is aware of our need. Verse 33 says to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all else would be given to us. How many times do we worry about our carnal lives, and seem to forget that our neighbor is without the gospel? Now it’s perfectly natural to think about what we will eat tomorrow, and consider the new clothes Junior needs. We are human beings with real problems and issues to deal with, but first of all, God knows our need and He has promised to provide for us. Secondly, how many times do we get caught up in little things like when no one will agree on what restaurant to eat at, or how to please everyone with what temperature to put the air conditioner on? Have we really renewed our mind?

I believe we can learn a great lesson from Mary. If we will learn how to put away our worldly thoughts, we will be able to be a light in our community. So which sister are you most like? Is there an area in your Christian walk that you can improve? Think about it.

Melody Chatman