“But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:40‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://www.bible.com/59/luk.10.40.esv

The story of Mary and Martha is one where Martha is often vilified. However, Martha started out correctly by inviting Jesus and the disciples to her home. She wanted to do good by her Lord. She wanted to give Him the best treatment and food. But Jesus isn’t impressed with all of it. Somewhere along the line, Martha made it all about her. This story teaches me a couple of things about serving.

There are times when I may be serving alone. Martha was evidently expecting help but didn’t get it. Her task was overwhelming her. The Lord doesn’t tell someone else to go help her. He instead defends Mary who has chosen to worship Him. The point is that Martha had shifted focus and wasn’t worshipping the Lord either. She had become distracted by all the work, and this was work she had created for herself. A meal may have been an acceptable thing but the Lord’s response reveals that Martha needed to simplify the preparations.

Sometimes the efforts we make can become cumbersome and take away our focus. The focus, which should be on Christ becomes our project or act of service. We cannot make this error. Jesus’ words to Martha are loving and revealing. Jesus didn’t do what Martha wanted because it wasn’t what He wanted. Jesus wants our worship not our service. If our service is not an act of worship then we should stop.

Why do you do what you do? Are you doing what you’re doing for the Lord or for self?

Is there an area where of you simplified it, there would be more joy or worship?

How have you become overwhelmed by what you’re doing instead of who you’re doing it for?