I have written about Mary & Martha in the past. Here is one post.

I have revisited my thoughts about these sisters recently. This period of my life has put me in a “forced Mary situation.”

I firmly believe that we are called to serve and that we should take opportunities to help others.

Yes, the work has to be done. But I wonder if churches have created work for people that pulls them away from the things that the Lord called the good part?I have come to realize that at this stage in my life serving doesn’t have to include all the things  people expect me to do.

Stepping down from some of my responsibilities was not easy but  I have become firmer in my resolve to do what God wants. I simply cannot live a life to please others.

When I choose to serve in some way, I have learned to first pray about it. Then I seek my husband’s advice. He has told me no about many things that I was considering. What a blessing to live my life to please God and honor my husband.

The truth is that people will be disappointed when you or I say no to something they expect us to do. Saying “no” is much easier when I am confident that I am obeying God and serving my husband.

I think that “the church” in general is very bad about remembering that a women’s 1st Biblical ministry and priority is her home, husband, and children.

A woman can serve God by prioritizing her marriage, home, and children even if she never sets foot in the nursery.

I used to be so busy doing any and everything I thought I should be doing. Being Mary was a difficult adjustment.

Looking back now, I am so thankful that God put me where being Mary was all I could do. I remember a time in the past when I was doing so many things. I could go for weeks without sitting in the worship service or Bible study because I was so busy serving. Frankly that is ridiculous.

I mentioned to someone recently that my relationship with the Lord is much more precious now that I left Martha behind. I have been able to soak up sermons, spend more time on Bible reading and study, as well as spend more time in prayer.

A portion of Jim Berg’s Changed Into His Image reminded me of my thoughts about this topic.

“Many Christian organizations and churches are filled with discontented, frantic believers.

Many of them are driven, perfectionists, controlling people who never seem to be able to get everything checked off their lists. There is always something more to do.

They never experience any real peace or rest because there is always something else out of control at the moment.

It is not long before these people turn into relational terrorists. When they are irritated, people keep their distance.”

I never want to be a relational terrorist. I don’t want people to distance themselves from me because I’m irritated about what isn’t getting done. I don’t think that God intended service to him to be like this.

He tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

Do you know what I’ve discovered? Being a Mary is an easy blessed light yoke. Being a Mary has changed my life.

Filed under: Enduring Trials, God's Provision | 3 Thoughts Shared »