My Name is Martha

My name is Martha.  The whole of my Christian existence has been about the business of serving Jesus.  Since I was a young child, I’ve looked for a place to serve or “get more involved.”  I volunteered on Sunday mornings to pray, read scripture, or even be an usher.  As I got older I worked with kids younger than me.  In youth group I lived for the “service projects.”   As the years went on, I knew God was calling me to be a pastor, so I got busy serving as a leader in my church’s youth group.  Eventually, I even quit my job so I could give more time to “serving Jesus.”  These days, I’m a full time youth pastor and I have the pleasure of “serving Jesus” as a career (oh wait…the Christian word is “calling”).  It’s awesome, but I’m busy.

And I wonder in the midst of my “busyness” Have I missed something? Have I missed something that could possibly change everything about how I view my relationship with God?  Where did I learn that the Christian life was about being “busy” serving Jesus?  Well…from other “Marthas” of course.  These are well-meaning people who love God and desire to bring glory to His name; they recognize that there is much work to be done and they get down to doing that work.  And “serving Jesus” is what’s important right?  Well…Martha has a sister; her name is Mary and if you know the story (Luke 10:38-42), you know that while Martha was content to stay busy, Mary was content to sit at the feet of Jesus, hanging on His every word.  Understandably, Martha is frustrated at this perceived “laziness” and complains to Jesus.  Jesus explains that Mary has chosen what’s best and it will not be taken away from her. Hmmm….

Mary who has chosen what’s best?  “What good is sitting at Jesus’ feet with all this work to be done?”  If it’s you’re propensity to ask this question, like me, you’re probably a Martha.  We are the ones who complain (i.e. take pride in the fact) that “we’re the 10% doing 90% of the work.”  After all, the church couldn’t function without us, could it? Like Martha, we have falsely convinced ourselves that Jesus needs us to serve Him.  That if we don’t keep busy, we will derail the “Great Commission,” or, to us (even worse), our church’s doors will close for good.  No, Jesus didn't need Martha’s help, nor does He need our help.  As Lord, He has everything under control.  Don’t get me wrong, there will be time to do work, but first things first; Jesus wants us to sit at His feet, be fully present, and experience a very real relationship with Him.

But sadly, I’m convinced that many of us in the church find it easier to “serve Jesus” than to sit alone in our rooms and be fully present at His feet.  But that’s what Jesus desires of us….to sit as His feet and enjoy the relationship.  While there have been countless people in my life who have taught me how to serve Jesus, I cannot recall anyone who has ever ushered me to the feet of Jesus and showed me how to simply enjoy my relationship with Him.  This is not to say that they didn’t experience their personal relationship with Jesus like Mary; they just never thought to show me.

Don’t get me wrong, "serving" Jesus is important.  It’s important to serve in the church and serve our community and world, but before we can do that, we must, first, sit at the feet of Jesus and hang on His every word.  After that, our service will be a natural overflow of our devotion to Him.  Now if, for you, like me, sitting at the feet of Jesus sounds childish; where the kids sit and listen to stories while the adults do the work; you’re right.  The Bible tells us that we should approach Jesus like a little child.  Jesus addressed this specifically by saying, “I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15 HCSB).  Children are content to sit and enjoy a good story; but we’ve convinced ourselves that adults must always “serve.”

As I’m writing this, I recognize that I truly desire to be like Mary.  Sitting at the feet of Jesus, as I hang on His every word, sounds awesome (if not insanely spiritual).  But I can’t even have a consistent quiet time.  I’ve already failed in my New Year’s resolution to follow a Bible reading plan for the entire year.  So if you are looking for a 5 step plan to become more like Mary, I don’t have it.  For a beginning, I’m simply going to start reading my Bible while sitting on the floor as a way of tangibly “sitting at the feet of Jesus” (all the while wondering if this might be too literal) because I know I have to start somewhere.  One thing I know for sure is this (and it keeps me up at night): as a youth pastor, I’m responsible for helping to train up the young people that God has put under my care.  By example, am I teaching them to be “Marthas” or “Marys?” Am I showing them only to “serve” or am I showing them how to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.   I’m great at teaching these young people how to serve; at giving them something to do.  I’m even great at serving with them.  But I’m not great at leading them to the feet of Jesus, because if I’m truly honest with myself, I don’t spend a whole lot of time there.  But more and more, I’m beginning to realize, that if I truly want these students to defy statistics and stick with their faith after high school, then it’s going to take more than just being “busy.” I need to lead them to the feet of Jesus.  I need to teach them to be like Mary.  I’ve always known that a change needed to be made, but now I see that the change needs to start with me.