A Mary heart in a Martha world

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Take care of yourself”

Our Bible verse for today: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “A Mary heart in a Martha world”

Almost twenty-five years ago author Joanna Weaver wrote a book with the title “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.” It was a best-seller and it is still in print today. To date, over a million copies have been sold. I was one of those million customers. Initially, I bought it because of the title, but then I ended up reading it three times.

You’re probably familiar with the story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus recorded in Luke 10:38-42. Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus were friends of Jesus. Evidently, He felt welcomed and comfortable in their home and He went there to rest. During one visit, Martha was in the kitchen fixing dinner, by herself, while her sister Mary sat in the living room chatting with Jesus. Soon, Martha started to steam because she was doing all the work and Mary was just goofing off sitting at the feet of Jesus. Worse, in Martha’s view, Jesus was complicit. He was letting Mary get away with it.

Finally, a huffy Martha stomps into the living room and spouts off to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to help me.” To that, Jesus gave the answer above.

Personally, I’m like both Mary and Martha. I have a heart like Mary’s that wants to sit quietly and contentedly enjoying time with Jesus, but I have a personality like Martha’s that is always doing, going, accomplishing, and then, in frustration, banging pots and pans. I have a Mary heart but I live in a Martha world. Joanna’s book was written for people like me. It is all about how to overcome that.

As we thought about in yesterday’s devotional, it’s critical for us to create space in our souls and in our lives to rest, relax, and to just sit at the feet of Jesus. But that involves decluttering our lives a little and removing things that might be good, but which are keeping us from what is best. Preparing a meal for others is good. Spending time with Jesus is better.

More than fifteen years ago I wrote an article on this subject. I titled it “Room for the Singing of Angels.” It was all about creating space in your life so your Mary heart is not so dominated by your Martha personality. If you would like to read it, let me know. I would be happy to send it to you.

Do you have a Mary heart but a Martha personality? There are some things you can do to achieve a healthier balance in your life.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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