Scriptural Foundation:
Luke 10:38-42 Kings James Version (KJV)
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Reflection:
I have always put myself last, not to be a martyr, but because I really enjoy putting my loved ones first. It wasn’t until motherhood that I noticed the manifestation of my actions – overweight, worn out outfits, hair-do always in disarray, etc. Without realizing it, I became a role model for my children and my outward appearance didn’t match the abundance of blessing in my life. Today’s passage is simple the perfect parable about the struggle between our flesh and our spirit. This is where I find myself in the middle of the story about Martha…I can relate very much to Martha, but I can also understand Mary’s choice to stay at the Lord’s feet. If I could I would extend my devotional time for hours and hours. There are always so many things to look up and study in the Word and the more you seek the Lord the more He shows up.
What I found out about the assignment the Lord has put on my heart is that in order for me to be encouraging to others, I had to first encourage myself. In order to help others change their lives through the Word of God, I had to first apply the same discipline I had learned to love in the spirit in the natural realm. I already had a blueprint in my service to others; I just had to apply it to myself. Realizing this nugget from the word, I look for areas to apply this principle. This could be applied to finances in that we give away all our money and always lack, if we tithe and pay ourselves first (save) before we pay our bills we will not lack for any good thing from the Lord. This could be applied to health in that we eat junk foods, because of lack of preparation of weekly meal planning. If we take the time to plan and make wiser choices we improve the wellbeing outlook of our entire home. If you are like me, you have put yourself last, but the Lord wants to put you first.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Who do you relate more to Martha or Mary?
- Think of the areas of your life that you feel dissatisfied in.
- Are you dissatisfied because you are putting yourself last?
- Ask the Holy Spirit to shed light on that situation. Is there something that you are doing or not doing?