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Day Four: Pray First, Talk Second

A great example of keeping our priorities in line with God’s order is in Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha. In the Bible, the gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John talk about a special relationship Jesus had with one particular family comprised of three siblings: Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. In Luke 10, we read about a time when Jesus and His disciples were passing through their village and decided to stop and visit.

Beginning in verse 28, the Bible talks about how Jesus “… came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’”

From reading the passage, it appears Mary and Martha might have opposite personalities. Martha appeared to be the epitome of a great hostess. She seemed to excel at instinctively knowing how to make people feel welcome when visiting and also understood the amount of preparation it took for such an event to go well. I don’t want to make assumptions about Mary, so I’m unsure if she shared a similar personality style to Martha regarding hosting gatherings or if her personality was more laid-back. She didn’t notice or care as much about the details involved. I’m not sure. That’s a conversation I might have with her in Heaven someday.

The point of the story Jesus shared in Luke 10 was not about whether or not it was good to be busy in the kitchen or sitting at His feet enjoying a close relationship. I believe the moral of the story is more about keeping our priorities in line with what’s most important.

The work involved with hosting people cannot be ignored, but as Jesus replied to Martha’s question above, other seemingly important things can get in the way of the most important thing. In verses 41 and 42, Jesus gives His answer. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Growing my relationship with my Sister in Christ through laughter and chitchat is not bad, but it’s not the most important aspect of our relationship. Praying together and strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ is the element of our friendship that must be prioritized. Once that has been enjoyed, the time left to laugh, share, and enjoy each other’s company in companionable friendship is much sweeter. I’ve found when I do things in God’s order, He tends to bless the other aspects of my life even more.

Do you feel comfortable praying out loud with your Sister in Christ? What is the best way you and your Sister in Christ can grow your relationship with Jesus Christ?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that I don’t have to have a special formula to talk to You. You want a relationship with me, and when I come to You in conversation, You hear me; when I listen, help me to hear You also.

In Jesus’ name, Amen