The story of Mary and Martha is a classic one in which Mary spent time listening to Jesus while her sister Martha spent time preparing the meal and hosting Jesus. On the surface it looks like both people are doing the right thing – or so it seems.
It is good to do godly work for the Lord, and it is good to listen and spend time with God as Mary was doing. Martha had a job to do, and so did Mary.
In trying to impress Jesus, Mary worked diligently to prove to Him and others that she was the superior housekeeper.
In attending to her details Martha found that everything she did was not good enough for the Lord. She found that all her righteousness was as filthy rags. But Martha in her self-sufficiency thought she had it all figured out. She thought if only Mary could help, her things would be just right.
Martha thought she could tell Jesus what she needed Him to do. She told Him to tell Mary to help her clean. Because of her distraction, Martha couldn’t see the infinite wisdom that Jesus had. She was blinded by the busywork she had made up for herself to serve God.
The Bible says that God is a spirit and those who worship Him shall worship Him in spirit and in truth. Sometimes when you are busy you can get distracted and spiritually blinded by something that seems good.
Mary was not blind or distracted so she was able to recognize that the Son of God was sitting in living room. A man who has the power of the universe in his Hand. In the face of such majesty, all Mary could do was watch in awe.
When you truly spend time in the Lord’s presence your eyes become opened to the things of the spirit. You no longer become concerned with performing or impressing man, it’s all about God.
Sometimes we serve the Lord by going through the motions. Sunday after Sunday we say the same things and do the same things. How many of you know that God himself can get tired of bored stale worship? We have to engage God in a relationship with us.
Sometimes we can do so much for Him without actually spending time with Him. We can go to church, bible study, listen to Gospel music and radio ministries without actually talking to him. Only God knows if you really spend time with him. It is through quality time with God that you can receive the anointing to destroy the yokes of bondage over your life and other people’s lives.
Evangelist Bills serves as First Lady of New Life Ministries Christian Center, 4200 Blaine Ave., St. Louis, where Rev. Bryan C. Bills is Pastor. E-mail: newlifeministriescc@gmail.com
