Working and Worshiping

"But the moment she stopped listening to Christ and made something other than Him the focus of her heart and attention, her perspective became very self-centered." John MacAurthur, 12 Extraordinary Women

I have been reading this book for the last 2 weeks and have very much enjoyed getting to know some of these incredible women, studying more and looking into what MacAurthurs interpretations are. Relating somewhat like most people tend to do when we are looking for answers or further understanding. Reading chapter 9, Martha and Mary: Working and Worshiping... This is such an incredible chapter. Breaking it down into raw truth so many times we can compare ourselves to Mary and Martha. If you have a chance to take a gander at this read, I highly suggest it.

The quote from the Chapter that is listed above is about Martha and how she became focused on serving alone. being blinded by how SHE does things compared to what Mary does. Creating this friction of providing dinner and a nice place to stay, serving Jesus in such a sense she took very much pride in and because her sister was "oblivious" to help with preparations, instead, sitting at Jesus' feet to listen to his teachings caused Martha to think wrongly and selfishly. She then speaks to Jesus and asks him, "Lord do you not care?" Luke 10:40 She was concerned that because Mary wasn't helping her, she was therefore not helping the Lord. When clearly she was doing just that. Serving, worshiping. However Jesus provides a very honest and real answer of, "You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

How piercingly real is that? Right?

There are many situations that could be listed in the last couple weeks alone that could be compared to this situation. Currently struggles with accepting where personal levels are in knowledge and understanding mixed with seeing surrounding influences and teachers have my mind on a whirl-wind.

"That was the fruit of her willingness to sit still, listen, and ponder. It was the very thing that always made Mary such a sharp contrast to Martha, whose first inclination was usually to act- or react."- MacAurthur
It may or may not be true to people who would agree to disagree that there are many times where we all have tendancies to jump on things and get the ball rolling when at times there's no need for it to be rolled. At times we must literally make ourselves sit and listen. So much hustle and bustle, preperations and planning planning planning.

To listen and just be still and know... At times we loose that in the buzzing of our cochleas. At the same time though we can't be hard on ourselves. Grace is key. Something that I personally struggle with all the time.

"She has discovered the one thing needful: true worship and devotion of one's heart and full attention to Christ."- MacAurthur (About Mary of Bethany)

...Something to ponder.