Spiritually Balanced
How often have you thought, “I have to do all the work while they sit around and do nothing?” In my mind, more times than I care to mention. It can be difficult to feel like you are the only one doing the work while someone else is drawing their attention to a different place. And that is where our story of Mary and Martha takes us! Every time I read this Bible story, I learn something. Today, it was focusing on being spiritually balanced.
There is a balance between action and listening, especially in a spiritual context. Jesus wants us to action His love. He wants us to act on His love for others. Yet, Jesus makes it perfectly clear that our salvation does NOT rely on our works. Ephesians 2: 8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
It can be difficult to refrain from doing works, as mentioned above. Often, we want to help others. God wants us to help others as well. Yet, when doing works takes you away from listening to God’s word, this is when the struggle of spiritual balance begins. Having a listening ear on our Lord outweighs everything else. This does not happen on Sunday morning alone, but every time we have the opportunity to be closer to Jesus. This happens most strongly while reading His words. Focusing on what Jesus is saying to us, listening for Him, will outweigh that load of laundry any day!
The same can happen with those around us. Are we so intent on ensuring the items are checked off our to-do list that we are not listening to our child tell us about their day? Is the list of things you did not achieve weighing on your mind more than what your spouse is sharing with you? Having balance in our days is important – listening is important. Taking time to listen to those around you versus ensuring all the chores are completed by the end of the day can be the best choice for balance.
Nothing will be a better choice than listening to Jesus! I identify strongly with Martha. As many of you know, I am a make a list and get it done kind of gal! Taking any time away from that list can seem ‘unproductive.’ Ah, my friends, quite the contrary. When I spend time deciding to reflect on a Bible verse or delve into a chapter and verse that catches my attention, I can hear Jesus talking to me. It may be as subtle as, “You made the right choice, Susan.” It could be something more definitive as, “Finally, I have your attention, Susan.” Either way, the balance of action and listening is better when I am listening to God! We need simple faith that Jesus will guide us there.
Dearest Jesus, thank you for giving me the story of Mary and Martha. Help me to be more like Mary with her intent to listen to Your word. Bring my attention to you, Lord, and help me to listen to Your words! Amen.
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