In my walk with the Lord I have realized that there are two ways of living the Christian life. One in a hyperactive way and the other in a contemplative way. In the Bible there are two women who illustrate these two types of life. One of them was named Martha, who was a woman of faith, but distinguished herself by living a busy life. Mary, her sister, was also a woman of faith, but distinguished herself by living in love with God.

Martha illustrates those of us who are hyperactive. Hyperactive people have a great sense of responsibility and commitment. They like to demonstrate love with deeds rather than words. However, if we do not monitor that sense of responsibility well, it can lead to a state of anxiety. We can live so anxiously that we lose our sense of appreciation, the joy of life, but most of all we lose the source of our life, which is our intimacy with God.

That is why we should always have a respite, a holy pause, a spiritual Selah. Where we can detoxify the mind, rest the heart, heal our emotions, but above all have communion with Christ.

So I ask that right now you can take a deep breath and listen to the story and God’s advice to a woman who lived on activity and anxiety. This story is found in Luke 10:38-42. Please listen carefully to each word and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit who wants to speak to you:

“Jesus and his disciples came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. His sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet to listen to his teaching, but Martha was distracted with preparations for the great supper. Then she came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, don’t you think it is unfair for my sister to sit here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me. The Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and so anxious about all the details! There is only one thing worth worrying about. Mary has discovered it, and no one will take it away from her.”

According to the Bible, Martha was the eldest sister and therefore the person responsible for the household. When Jesus visited her, as a good housewife, Martha invited him to stay,

Martha invites him to stay. This implies that Martha was the eldest sister and the person of authority in the house. Indeed, her name means “the mistress of the house”. Jesus at no time condemns Martha for her service, but wants to heal her from a state of worry, distraction, anger, eagerness and anxiety. Jesus wants to show Martha that the priority of her life is not to meet the expectations of others, but to meet God’s expectations. Jesus expects our relationship with him to be a priority in our life. Jesus prefers our intimacy with him rather than our activity for him.

I ask you a question: are you a hyperactive or contemplative Christian? Are you given to worry or reflection? Are you considered a good worker as well as a good worshiper? Are you a Martha or a Mary? Think about this and meditate. Perhaps you will hear the Master’s voice saying, “Come out of the kitchen of hyperactivity into the room of intimacy with God.”

Prayer:

Lord help me to delight in you. Help me to make my relationship with you the number one priority in my life. Forgive me because I get so busy with things you have asked of me. Forgive me for running everywhere but the altar. I want to be like Mary, I want to adore you at your feet and delight in your presence. Your presence is the priority of my life. Amen.