Hot, Cold or Somewhere In Between?
If your faith has cooled, reignite it with the 35 Day Challenge.
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “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.”
But the Lord said to her, “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 10:38-42)
I’ve heard this story a bazillion times, how about you? I have to confess, I’ve always been sympathetic to Martha and have felt sorry that she got “picked on”. She was serving, active, she wasn’t sitting around doing nothing like someone else we know. Her work ethic was strong and there wasn’t an ounce of laziness in her.
Mary on the other hand was sitting, listening to Jesus and doing NOTHING. I think this was why I always felt sorry for Martha because in my heart of hearts I thought that Martha was more productive than Mary. I wonder, was Mary always sitting around doing nothing? Was she a lazy person at heart? As I took a fresh look at this story I had an Aha moment! I finally got the point of Jesus’ message.
I don’t think Mary was Lazy, in fact I think Martha was used to having Mary help her. When she looked around she probably expected to see her preparing food or setting the table. Instead Mary was nowhere to be found until Martha looked in on Jesus and saw Mary sitting with Him.
Martha is described as being distracted with the details of having company. She wants everything to be perfect for Jesus and his disciples. She is so caught up in DOING things for Him that she forgets to BE with Him.
Where was Martha’s focus?
Was she focused on Jesus and her relationship with Him? Was her mind dwelling on His teachings? Where was her heart? How would you describe her faith? I think it was lukewarm. She loved Jesus but had allowed the details to distract her from what was truly important! Jesus speaks of someone like her in Matthew 13:22 (NLV) when he says, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life . . .”
Think about it: she was able to see Jesus face to face! She could watch His reaction to the questions He was asked. She could hear Him laugh and see the love in His eyes for her but instead she traded all of that in – to be distracted by the worries and cares of her life!
In contrast, where was Mary’s focus? How would you describe her faith? I think it was blazing hot. She knew nothing from this world could compare with spending time with her Lord. She would gladly choose to eat hot dogs over a gourmet meal just so she could have more time with Him.
What kind of faith do you want? Do you want the lukewarm faith of Martha or the blazing hot faith of Mary? If you want the kind of faith that Mary had it won’t happen by accident. It’s a choice you have to make each day to follow Jesus and to keep your eyes fixed on Him. Each day you must choose to follow Him or yourself, to surrender to His ways or your ways, to release your grip on this world and open your heart to Him.
Father, Help me to be quick to run into Your presence. When the day gets crazy and I foolishly think that I can’t afford to spend time with You, remind me that I can’t afford not to. Amen
Question: What choice will you make today, tomorrow and the next day?
9 Responses to “Hot, Cold or Somewhere In Between?”
Leave a Reply
Start a Conversation
Media
What Do You Fear?
What do you fear, and why? Is it holding you back from realizing your full potential?
>Watch
- Contact
- |
- Advertising
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Link to Us
- |
- Media Releases
- |
- What we believe
Life can be so overwhelming.. So much opportunities, distractions, temptations, responsibilities, the list is endless. Just please stay close to me God. Hold my hand and guide me on Your path. Let my time here be honoring to You. Thank you for always providing, blessing, nurturing , ang loving us. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
this scripture has been on my mind the last few days as i try to be less like martha, and more like mary. i opened my devotional today, and there it was! thank you for reminding me to listen and participate versus preparing and becoming lost in the details.
The importance of Jesus is never gone from my mind or heart but the demands of the day can blur into days and even weeks at a time when I lose touch, but Jesus gently nudges me and reminds me to spend time with Him because He misses me! It is always so good to feel that spark again and at that moment He is all that matters! PTL!
I love this devo, I love it when I run into my closet ( bathroom) to steal away a few mins to be closer to my Lord. I come out of that bathroom with a smile on my face and a renewed mind. I too have to remind myself to be more like Mary.
God Bless!
It is amazing how many times your devotional for the day is directed to me….life has been so hectic for me in so many ways….life has been difficult for me and my husband as someone we trusted lost my husbands retirement….Thanks for reminding me of Martha and Mary and a new way to look at these women. Please pray for me!!!
Thank you,Kristi,I hadn`t realized that I was starting to become a Martha. Allowing myself to get distracted by my resent circumstances.I wasted so much time/years so this is a great reminder not fall back into that trap again
The hot/cold vs lukewarm scripture used to baffle me until I read a wonderful explanation in one of the RBC Our Daily Bread readings. (My sister and I just talked about this very thing the other day!) Hot coffee is soothing, cold lemonade is refreshing; if either of those are lukewarm they are neither. I love how you made the connection regarding Mary and Martha. From experience I know that when my “Martha” attitude kicks in, even though everything I’ve prepared may look perfect for my guests the atmosphere becomes less than inviting…not soothing or refreshing because my primary focus has been lost.
I HAVE to remind myself, not after. But perhaps that’s right on target as sometimes I find myself remembering to be Mary AFTER an event is finished. ;o)
Good Morning Kristi, I often after to remind myself to “be more Mary”. I’m the one in the room that is focused on tasks. While checking off my to-do list, I’m certain I’ve missed blessings. Thanks for my reminder to be a Mary today!