A Living Sacrifice
by: Janie Denney
August 14, 2024
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
I used to struggle with the story of Martha and Mary. Why is Martha the one in the wrong? She’s the one who is getting the work done. Without Martha, nothing would be prepared; nothing would be done. While Martha was putting in work, Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus.
As someone who thrives on a full Google calendar and a never-ending to-do list, I struggled with this passage. Why was Mary, the one who wasn’t doing anything, the one being praised? As Martha said, “...‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me’” (Luke 10:40). Martha was frustrated. If I’m honest, I would’ve been too, and that’s why I struggled with understanding this passage. Being proactive and hospitable are great qualities to have, but Martha lost sight of why she was serving to begin with.
Jesus lovingly responds to Martha and says, “…‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:42).
Martha missed an opportunity to fellowship with Jesus because she was so caught up in the tasks. I imagine Jesus saying this to me: Janie, Janie, you are worked up about many things, but only one thing matters: Fellowship with me. Jesus tells Martha that only “one thing” is necessary. This “one thing” is fellowship, oneness, and closeness with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The greatest commandment Jesus told his disciples is to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). This is a commandment for Christians. It is not an option. Jesus commands that we love the Lord above all else. We exist to love and glorify him with every fiber of our being.
I want you to take a look at your life. Where are you spending your time? Your money? Your thoughts? Does your life reflect the greatest commandment that we are instructed with — to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind?
The Holy Spirit has deeply convicted me on this topic as he has shown me that I have lost sight of him in the busyness of life. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, I convince myself that I am in control of my life.
James talks about how we make our plans, and he goes on to say that it is boastful arrogance to think we know what tomorrow will hold. He’s right. He says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Our life is a “mist” that “vanishes.” So, how does this relate to the story of Martha and Mary?
Mary understood her life on earth was temporary, and her actions reflected this. She didn’t waste her time distracted by the ways of the world. She spent it at the feet of Jesus. Mary understood her purpose was deep intimacy and oneness with the Lord.
I pray you keep an eternal perspective. I pray it sinks deep into your spirit. Our hearts are set on eternity. Earth is not our home. We are so small compared to the greatness, awe, and beauty of God. Look to him. Focus on him. Everything you do must go back to him. He has exceedingly and abundantly more for you than you can ask or imagine. He is waiting for you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to him — holy and pleasing.
Worship
Prayer for Today
Lord, you are Holy. You are Worthy of all of my being. Forgive me, Father, for where I have put idols before you. Forgive me, for when I have not had an eternal perspective. I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. Strengthen my spirit to consecrate myself to you and love you with all my heart.
Further Study
Luke 10:38-42, James 4, Romans 12
Related Posts
To love well as Christians, we must grasp the depths to which love went for us and understand how deeply we are loved. The Bible tells the story of a good Father who passionately loves His children, giving the most valuable possession of heaven to redeem us. Love paid a high price for us.