Sitting And Serving

But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! (Lk 10:40 AMP)

The problem through Martha's eyes was that Mary was sitting instead of helping her serve. The problem through Mary's eyes was...well, actually, Mary was oblivious that there was a problem. The problem through Jesus' eyes was that Martha was distracted, and because of that, was making wrong choices. It would almost seem that Martha was habitually overly occupied and too busy. 

Now, there is nothing wrong with serving.  It is not a matter of sitting or serving. It is not a matter of either/or, but a matter of both/and. Both Mary, Martha, and ourselves need to both sit and serve.

There is a natural rhythm to life, and a rhythm to spiritual life. Without first sitting, we will not be able to serve with a consciousness of Christ that makes it a joyful experience. We must first be occupied with Jesus. He will then occupy us in such a way that we are enabled and able to minister joyfully to others as we serve.

Being overly occupied and too busy caused Martha to not choose or even recognize what was best, causing her to be distracted.

We must each ask our self, 'Is there anything in my life that is distracting me from God and His purpose for my life? Is there anything that is hindering my relationship with Him?'

Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.

(1 Pe 1:18 MSG)