Let your Posture Preach your Sermon

Do you ever feel worn out and tired? Are you struggling to keep up with your daily schedule? Me too!

There is a tale of two sisters in scripture.  One is busy and tired; the other was in perfect peace.

Their story is told in Luke 10:38-42. In the NIV it reads, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he 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 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! “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “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.”

I have wrestled with this passage for years because I relate to Martha but want to be like Mary. Martha was after all the one who opened her home to Jesus. She was a hard worker, a doer, and made things happen. Martha was the older sister with a mothering instinct. She was hospitable.

We know from other passages that it is good to be hospitable. “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV

So why does the Lord gently rebuke Martha but praise Mary?

Notice the Lord does not rebuke Martha for serving. His correction is directed to her being worried and upset.  Look at his words. He calls her my name, “Martha, Martha” You are worried and upset about many things.”  I believe his tone was loving and personal; however, He gently rebukes her for being worried and upset. He tells her only one thing is needed. Martha had become distracted from the main thing which led to anxiety and frustration. She missed the opportunity to be with her Lord. She missed the peace and perceptive found in His presence.

Yet, Mary chose the ‘better thing.’ She recognized Him as Lord. She gave Him the place of honor in her life by sitting at his feet. Her posture implied surrender, love, and attentiveness. Her posture preached her sermon. In His presence, Mary found perfect peace. In His presence, she found friendship, a teacher, a Savior. Mary found a perspective which guided her through the difficult moments as well as the good times. She found peace.

Ladies, his perspective and peace are available for you and me. As we move into our day, let’s choose the better thing! Let us pause to sit at His feet. I challenge you to let your posture preach your sermon!

“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NIV)