Luke 10:42
“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
The story of Mary and Martha is an intriguing story because we have
two sisters whose personalities were certainly different. They were
both good ladies, and both of their actions are needed in our churches.
Mary chose to worship at the feet of Jesus, and this is very needed. On
the other hand, Martha chose to work in the kitchen preparing a meal for
the Master. There is nothing wrong with Martha’s choice to stay busy in
the kitchen; somebody has to do the behind the scenes work in the
church or else nothing will ever get done.
However, the one area where Martha was wrong was in her attitude.
You can do everything right, but if your attitude is wrong while you are
doing right, your focus will easily be shrouded with selfishness.
Martha exhibited four attitudes that every Christian must avoid because
they will cause you to miss the very presence of the Saviour and what He
wants to do through your life.
The first attitude of Martha was a demanding attitude. Martha actually demanded Jesus to “bid her”
to help in the kitchen. You must be careful that you don't become
demanding of the Saviour. No Christian has a right to demand anything
from God. Martha was so wrapped up in what she was doing that she
allowed her attitude to get out of control to where she became
demanding. Don't acquire the demanding attitude where you demand of the
Saviour to answer your prayers or to do something you feel needs to be
done. Keep a submissive attitude instead of a demanding attitude, and
you will find that the LORD will be more inclined to give you your
desires.
Second, Martha had a questioning attitude. Martha was questioning
Mary’s motives. Don't ever fall into the trap of questioning why someone
is doing something. I’ve often had people ask me why I think someone is
doing something, and my answer is always that I don't know. Life is too
short to question the motives of another’s actions. Why can't you take
their actions or words for what they are? Don't allow your attitude to
become judgmental.
Third, Martha had a temporal attitude. Even though Martha’s actions
were not wrong, her attitude towards eternal actions was wrong. The
concern for perception always results in the wrong purpose. Let me
encourage you not to get so wrapped up in perception that you forget
that your whole purpose of serving the LORD is to please Him. Don't let
other’s opinions of you become your goal, but live your life to please
the LORD. If you live for the eternal, you won't ever fall into the trap
to live for the perception of the present.
Fourth, Martha had a needless attitude. Jesus said, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part…”
Martha was so concerned about working that she forgot to spend time
worshipping. Christian, don’t get so busy working that you never spend
time with the Saviour. You need that time every day sitting at the feet
of Jesus through the Scriptures and prayer so that you can do His work
properly.
Do you find yourself with a Martha attitude? The answer to avoiding
this attitude is to spend time at Jesus’ feet. Spending time with Jesus
always gives you the right attitude so you can keep the right focus for
your day.