38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:38-42
We were talking about this story of sisters Martha and Mary tonight and usually my kneejerk impression from this is that the personal communication with Jesus is more important than all the serving we can do for Him. You know, that thing about "good vs. best".
But tonight something new struck me as the others were discussing about Martha's being busy. Her hospitality is good because it signifies that she is (supposedly) concerned about the welfare of the Guest. Meanwhile, Mary was just sitting there listening to the Guest!
This scenario reminded me of this: When God tries to talk to me, am I pulling a Martha? That is, maybe I try to tell him to "sit on a chair while I prepare stuff IN ORDER to talk to him properly". Or maybe I flat out refuse to talk to Him because first I want to compose myself and look/feel like a proper Christian before we talk.
This time, it was as if God was telling me that Mary was right in just coming as she is. I dont need to "prepare" or appear acceptable just so I can talk to Him. (Besides, any change I could do will only be superficial and temporary.)
I can freely come as I am. Any time. No pretense. No putting on a facade.
That's the time He can start changing me from the inside out.
Because only He can.
