Choose your position! As believers, we choose whether or not to pursue God, advance His Kingdom, or become distracted by the world.
In Luke 10: 38-42, the story of Mary and Martha teaches us how to respond to God’s presence. Jesus came to the two sisters’ house as a guest. An anxious Martha kept herself busy with the home preparations, while Mary soaked in the presence and words of Jesus. Martha’s worry led her to complain to Jesus. Jesus saw the truth of the situation and the two women’s hearts. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are concerned about many things” (Luke 10:41).
The “Martha Lifestyle”
Martha’s cooking and wanting her sister’s help were not the problem! Jesus revealed Martha’s personality and the internal turmoil that plagued her.
People with the “Martha lifestyle” will stop a move of God! They constantly worry about things and cannot focus on God.
Mary’s Discipleship Leads to Revival
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus—a position reserved for disciples. She distinguished herself as someone who wanted to discipline herself in Jesus’ teachings. Mary made the bold decision not to go into the kitchen but to become a disciple of Jesus. She prioritized Jesus over any worries. Disciples in those days were men; society and culture upheld those firm gender roles. Mary did not let others’ expectations or fear stop her from taking her position at the feet of Jesus.
Only YOU can make the choice. Distraction and worry can consume you, or you can allow God to consume you. Choose your position, apply your faith, and plant yourself at the feet of Jesus. Learn who He is, spend time with Him, and revival will come.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Questions:
What does your lifestyle say about you, your beliefs, and your relationship with God?
How do you deal with worry? What does the Bible say about handling worry and fear?
Have you taken any bold action for God recently?
What action steps will you take—in the present—to pursue discipleship?
