Milk...however sweet, can turn sour
This chapter of Luke describes the step-by-step process of the sweet becoming sour.
It’s the story of Martha. A dear soul given to hospitality and organization. More frugal than frivolous, more practical
than pensive. Ask her to choose between a book and a broom, and she’ll take the broom.
Mary, however, will take the book. Mary is Martha’s sister. Same parents, different priorities. Martha has things to do. Mary has thoughts to think.
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This chapter of Luke describes the step-by-step process of the sweet becoming sour.
It’s the story of Martha. A dear soul given to hospitality and organization. More frugal than frivolous, more practical
than pensive. Ask her to choose between a book and a broom, and she’ll take the broom.
Mary, however, will take the book. Mary is Martha’s sister. Same parents, different priorities. Martha has things to do. Mary has thoughts to think.
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arently Martha
worried too much, too. So much so that she started bossing God around.
Worry will do that to you. It makes you forget who’s in charge.
What makes this case interesting, however, is that Martha is worried about something good. She’s having Jesus over for dinner. She’s literally serving God. Her aim was to please Jesus. But, as she began to work for him her work became more important than her Lord. What began as a way to serve Jesus, slowly and subtly became a way to serve self.
One look at the flour-covered scowl will tell you that. “That Mary. Here I am alone in the kitchen while she’s out there.”
Oh boy. She’s miffed. Look at her glaring over her shoulder through the doorway. That’s Mary she’s staring at. The one seated on the floor, listening to Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40).
It’s easy to forget who is the servant and who is to be served.
Satan knows that. This tool of distortion is one of Satan’s slyest. Note: He didn’t take Martha out of the kitchen; he took away her purpose in the kitchen. He won’t take you away from your ministry; he’ll disillusion you in your ministry.
Guard your attitude.
What matters more than the type of service is the heart behind the service. A bad attitude spoils the gift we leave on the altar for God.
God has gifted you with talents. He has done the same to your neighbor. If you concern yourself with your neighbor’s talents, you will neglect yours. But if you concern yourself with yours, you could inspire both.
What makes this case interesting, however, is that Martha is worried about something good. She’s having Jesus over for dinner. She’s literally serving God. Her aim was to please Jesus. But, as she began to work for him her work became more important than her Lord. What began as a way to serve Jesus, slowly and subtly became a way to serve self.
One look at the flour-covered scowl will tell you that. “That Mary. Here I am alone in the kitchen while she’s out there.”
Oh boy. She’s miffed. Look at her glaring over her shoulder through the doorway. That’s Mary she’s staring at. The one seated on the floor, listening to Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40).
It’s easy to forget who is the servant and who is to be served.
Satan knows that. This tool of distortion is one of Satan’s slyest. Note: He didn’t take Martha out of the kitchen; he took away her purpose in the kitchen. He won’t take you away from your ministry; he’ll disillusion you in your ministry.
Guard your attitude.
What matters more than the type of service is the heart behind the service. A bad attitude spoils the gift we leave on the altar for God.
God has gifted you with talents. He has done the same to your neighbor. If you concern yourself with your neighbor’s talents, you will neglect yours. But if you concern yourself with yours, you could inspire both.
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