How can we balance service and devotion, as demonstrated in Luke 10:38? Setting the Scene (Luke 10:38-40) “As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made.” (Luke 10:38-40) • Martha’s hospitality shows genuine love through action. • Mary’s posture shows genuine love through attention. • The word “distracted” signals that good service can still misalign our focus when it pulls us from Christ Himself. Devotion First: Mary’s Choice (Luke 10:39) • Sitting “at the Lord’s feet” was the disciple’s position—Mary assumes it without apology. • Devotion involves listening before acting (cf. Romans 10:17). • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness is not passivity but priority. Service Matters: Martha’s Example (Luke 10:40) • Scripture never rebukes hospitality (cf. 1 Peter 4:9). Martha’s service is good in itself. • The problem surfaces when serving eclipses savoring Christ. • Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Motive and focus determine value. Jesus’ Loving Correction (Luke 10:41-42) “The Lord answered, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.’” • “One thing is necessary”—devotion anchors every act of service. • “Good portion” echoes Psalm 73:26; God Himself is our portion. • Jesus does not dismiss service; He reorders priorities. Principles for Balancing Service and Devotion • Begin with worship, continue in work. (Mark 1:35 shows Jesus withdrawing before ministering.) • Let Scripture guide your schedule; devotion sets the agenda. • Guard against comparison; Martha’s irritation rose when she measured herself against Mary. • Rest in Christ’s adequacy—He multiplies the loaves of our limited time and energy (John 6:11). Practical Steps for Today • Schedule non-negotiable time “at His feet” each day—reading, meditating, listening. • Serve out of overflow: ask, “Am I filling up before I’m pouring out?” • Pair tasks with prayer: turn cooking, cleaning, commuting into moments of fellowship. • Enlist help and share workloads so no one is “distracted by all the preparations” alone (Acts 6:3-4). • Review motives regularly: is this act drawing me closer to Christ or merely impressing others? Encouragement to Rest at His Feet • 1 Corinthians 15:58 balances, “Be steadfast… always excelling in the work of the Lord,” yet the same chapter roots that labor in the victory Christ already secured. • When devotion fuels service, both are joyful, fruitful, and pleasing to the Lord—and He affirms, “It will not be taken away.” |
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