FRETTING CHRISTIANS
The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha, you are fretting and fussing about so many things; but one thing is necessary. The part that Mary has chosen is best; and it shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41, 42, N.E.B.
There's no doubt that Martha was a good woman. Religious people enjoyed having her around and never questioned the sincerity of her devotion. But these good, church-going folks weren't as discerning as Jesus was about the nature of the fire that burned inside Martha's heart. What they labeled as religious zeal, Jesus saw for what it really was.
Martha was trying to impress Jesus by earnestly caring for Him. She wanted to be sure He noticed the sincerity of her devotion. She wanted Him to change His opinion of her. In a word, she was a legalist. And legalists are always fretting and fussing, for they are never sure that they have accomplished their goal.
But an even more telling sign of the nature of Martha's religious experience was her attitude toward her sister Mary. You see, one who is filled with anxiety about one's standing with God cannot understand those who are sitting, joyful and relaxed, at the feet of Jesus. Martha was certain that Mary wasn't taking religious matters seriously. If Mary was taking sin seriously, she'd join Martha in her anxious bustle to demonstrate her righteousness. Martha fits my favorite definition of a legalist: "Someone who has a haunting fear that somebody, somewhere, is having a good time."
And was Mary ever having a good time! She basked in the warmth of Christ's friendship, falling ever more deeply in love with Him whom to know is life eternal. Jesus spoke to the real issue when He said, "It shall not be taken away." There is rich security in a friendship, especially when the Friend is constant in His attitude toward us. But when we endeavor to earn that friendship, we shall be perpetually anxious.
When Jesus said that Martha was fretting over "many things," He was talking not only about the beans and potatoes. The legalist lives in constant dread that anything he does, even good deeds, may induce the frown and displeasure of God if they are not done perfectly. Any momentary feelings of peace one may find can be taken away quickly the moment one gets a deeper understanding of God's requirements.
I'm so glad Jesus said there is a better part!
The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha, you are fretting and fussing about so many things; but one thing is necessary. The part that Mary has chosen is best; and it shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41, 42, N.E.B.
There's no doubt that Martha was a good woman. Religious people enjoyed having her around and never questioned the sincerity of her devotion. But these good, church-going folks weren't as discerning as Jesus was about the nature of the fire that burned inside Martha's heart. What they labeled as religious zeal, Jesus saw for what it really was.
Martha was trying to impress Jesus by earnestly caring for Him. She wanted to be sure He noticed the sincerity of her devotion. She wanted Him to change His opinion of her. In a word, she was a legalist. And legalists are always fretting and fussing, for they are never sure that they have accomplished their goal.
But an even more telling sign of the nature of Martha's religious experience was her attitude toward her sister Mary. You see, one who is filled with anxiety about one's standing with God cannot understand those who are sitting, joyful and relaxed, at the feet of Jesus. Martha was certain that Mary wasn't taking religious matters seriously. If Mary was taking sin seriously, she'd join Martha in her anxious bustle to demonstrate her righteousness. Martha fits my favorite definition of a legalist: "Someone who has a haunting fear that somebody, somewhere, is having a good time."
And was Mary ever having a good time! She basked in the warmth of Christ's friendship, falling ever more deeply in love with Him whom to know is life eternal. Jesus spoke to the real issue when He said, "It shall not be taken away." There is rich security in a friendship, especially when the Friend is constant in His attitude toward us. But when we endeavor to earn that friendship, we shall be perpetually anxious.
When Jesus said that Martha was fretting over "many things," He was talking not only about the beans and potatoes. The legalist lives in constant dread that anything he does, even good deeds, may induce the frown and displeasure of God if they are not done perfectly. Any momentary feelings of peace one may find can be taken away quickly the moment one gets a deeper understanding of God's requirements.
I'm so glad Jesus said there is a better part!
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