Mary or Martha? Can we be both?

Are we living a life of defeat as a Christian? Some defeat? Most defeat? Could it be because we live apart from God? We have our “spiritual times” then live the rest apart from His manifest, conscious presence.

Why is that? We want to be like Mary, but spend most of our time being Martha. We read about the abundant life but don’t experience it. 

We go to church and maybe have an emotional experience then go home basically the same, unchanged. We may feel better. Is that what church is to do for us? I say we can go home and live spiritual lives there too.

I wonder if we have a distorted idea of being a believer.  We want our name written in heaven ensuring us a home there when we die, but that is all. Maybe we give God a portion of our life and time while reserving ultimate control for ourselves. We want to run our life. Why? We must think (mistakely) that we know more than God.

Not realizing when we receive Christ as our savior we receive Him as Lord and Savior. Our master. We exchange our life for His. We step down from the throne in our heart, our inner being, where we think we have the right to be, and let Him reign there.

Now we live for and by Him all day.

He wants to reign without competition, uncontested. Our biggest usurper is our very self, our rights, our sovereignty. God is looking to help those whose heart is wholly His. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

So if we live a life of mostly defeat it is because we are allowing ourselves to reign on the throne at least part time.

God wants to reign over my life all the time. We don’t see what we are missing when we don’t allow Him that privilege.

If we do everything for Him, then that makes it an act of worship. We can live continuously in His presence while taking care of our responsibilities. We can live victoriously as Mary and Martha!

Luke 10:38-42

Colossians 3:17, 23  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ..And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

2 Corinthians 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Image by Peggychoucair from Pixabay.