Sometimes I read something that hits like an electric shock. “This is talking about me!” Here’s an example for you from detective novelist and Christian writer Dorothy L. Sayers.

“I think I have never heard a sermon preached on the story of Mary and Martha that did not attempt, somehow, somewhere, to explain away its text. Mary’s, of course, was the better part—the Lord said so, and we must not precisely contradict Him. But we will be careful not to despise Martha. No doubt, He approved of her, too. We could not get on without her, and indeed (having paid lip-service to God’s opinion) we must admit that we greatly prefer her, for Martha was doing a really feminine job, whereas Mary was just behaving like any other disciple; and that is a hard pill to swallow.”*

I’ve probably preached on the story of Mary and Martha a dozen times and almost always committed the fault Sayers points to. I tried to make it clear that both Mary and Martha are good examples of the Christian life. I did it because I knew churches needed Marthas or they’d fall apart. But the story makes it plain. Mary, who sits listening to Jesus is the example of the Christian life, not Martha for all her well-intended hospitality.

Mary learns from Jesus and is devoted to him. How do we do the same? By prayer, scripture reading, holy conversation with others who believe. Without making a connection to Jesus, our spiritual source, we just burn out.

May you be inspired by Mary’s example.

Read Luke 10:38-42 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

*Are Women Human?, pp. 46-47.