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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. 39She 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.”
Luke10:38-42 (NIV)
In the American Anglican Council’s Anglican Revitalization Ministries we focus on helping existing Anglican congregations that are plateaued or declining to get back to a place of healthy growth again. One of the primary principles we teach is that, “There is no revitalization without renewal.” Of course there is a lot of work that must be done to see a local church grow and thrive, but if you don’t start with renewal it often just becomes more busy work that does not produce Kingdom fruit. In fact, without starting with renewal of our first love for Jesus and empowerment in the Holy Spirit, church work can leave us weary and overwhelmed. Perhaps as you lead in whatever ministry you are a part of, you may find yourself in such a place.
Jesus says to those feeling that way, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
This kind of starting with renewal, putting Jesus first, and coming to him, is just what we see Mary doing, and Jesus affirming, in the Luke 10:38-42 passage above. Yes, there was much work to be done. Yes, that work was important. Martha wasn’t wrong for wanting to show hospitality to Jesus and his disciples. And good hospitality takes a lot of work. Just as any hospitality team in any local church how much work it takes to put on church meals, fellowship events, receptions and the like. It’s a lot of work and if it’s not done well you’ll hear the complaints! However, Martha was starting with the work and not with Jesus first. And it was leaving her overwhelmed and frustrated.
I’m sure you have much work to do for God’s church. And no doubt all that work is vitally important and must be done. However if you start with the work, it won’t work.
Mary chose the better way and put her love, passion, and zeal for Jesus first. If you find yourself more in the “Martha mode” and “worried about many things” would you pause today and take some time for a “Mary mode” and come back to Jesus as your first love? (Rev. 2:4) Would you sit at his feet and listen to what he has to say as she did? And as you put renewal in Jesus first you can then let all the important work that must be done, be done as an overflow from your relationship with him.
Rev Canon Mark Eldredge
American Anglican Council
