Set ApartSample

Day Seven: At the Savior’s Feet

When I read Luke 10:38–42, I imagine Martha caught up in needing to impress people with her hosting skills. I can so relate! Mary, on the other hand, dared to ignore the displeasure of others. Mary chose worshiping Christ instead of worrying what others thought. 

Just as the Bible calls people-pleasing the fear of man, it also has a phrase that describes the opposite: the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the antidote to the poison of people-pleasing. It’s the power that sets us free from the trap of approval-seeking. While the fear of man makes us timid, fearful, and insecure, the fear of the Lord empowers us with boldness, peace, and confidence. 

Fearing the Lord also protects us from the hurtful criticism and disapproval of others. When we’re safely tucked in our heavenly Father’s loving arms, we don’t have to look to others for acceptance or security. 

If we conform to what others want to see, we won’t be free . . . ever. We’ll live as slaves instead of as lavishly loved children. We’ll be running around like Martha, seeking to impress rather than courageously and peacefully sitting at the feet of Jesus. 

Jesus had the power to free Martha from people-pleasing in an instant. He could have whisked her concerns away without asking her to do anything at all. But Jesus did something better: he taught Martha what to do with her fear. Instead of removing her fear of disapproval, he invited Martha to transfer her affection and intention to the right place.

Whether God has gifted you as a servant or an encourager, an evangelist or an administrator, a teacher or a prophet, a Mary or a Martha, you are enough. So, sister, it’s time to start living like it. It’s time to choose what is better—a heart postured in worship, in peace, in prayer, and in the presence of Jesus. That way, whether we’re busy or silently abiding, we’re always at our Savior’s feet. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me with gifts and talents to that I might glorify you on this earth. I pray against my inclination to please others instead of you. Mold me and shape me into who you have called me to be. Help me to remember that you are enough for me every day. In Jesus’s mighty name, amen.