Nougat 10

While there is always the need for balance it is imperative that God remains our top priority. And that’s worth considering in today’s Holy Nougat.

“But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:40-41‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I don’t enjoy the sense that I am pitting the sisters against each other. Recently however, I have found that I’m reading Martha’s actions against those of God-chasers, and I realize that it’s not quite the same. For you see, it’s so easy to be ‘nearer to church and further from God’. That’s what happened to Martha. I believe that like many of us, her chasing after God started with the best intentions.

She knew Jesus would have been tired, and He and His companions needed to be refreshed. It was the mark of hospitality and in a sense Jesus might have relied on it, given that they were all good friends (see John 11:3,5).

Given that Jesus might not have provided advance notice of His visit, it’s likely that there were many details unattended. And Martha’s love for Jesus may have led to concerns about making the meal ‘just right’ for Him and His entourage. The problem with the plan was, she became caught up with the planning and lost her real focus for a minute. Especially when she realized that she was left alone with all the work.

The thing is, many of us – both male and female – have been Martha. We started ministry (and our spiritual journey) with starry eyes, bells and whistles. In those early days, our one desire is to please Jesus with our stewardship. The drawback is, sometimes we get so caught up that we lose sight of the fact that our relationship with Jesus is under serious threat.

So as pastors, we visit the sick and shut-ins from dawn till dusk, we prepare Bible studies, sermons etc. Or we are the most reliable deacon(ess)/elder, serving on every committee, we even completed basic theology so we are truly equipped for service. All that is great but not if in the process we lose sight of what is most important.

Outshining everyone else in our works for Jesus has far less value than ensuring that our connection remains in tact. And perhaps in the moment we notice Mary’s distraction, rather Mary’s desertion, it’s our cue to put everything on simmer and get back to the Source. Not to complain, but to recalibrate before the rigor of service turns chasing after God a ritual rather than worship.

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May all we seek be found in Christ