ARE YOU A MARY OR MARTHA? 13/09/25

It's Saturday morning... I have my coffee, my dog nuzzled up beside me, and my cat, in his most mischievous state, is currently devouring the flowers I bought for myself—very Miley Cyrus of me—sitting on my bedside table. Today, I’m taking a day off from work after a grueling few weeks that demanded so much from me. I like to start my day with the Lord, sharing a coffee with Him, telling Him my plans, and feeling Him giggle because, more often than not, He has other plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s a little moment I cherish, a moment shared with the One who created me, and it always brings a smile to my face.

The Weight of Busyness

These past few weeks, as grueling as they have been, have left me pondering one theme that keeps surfacing: the story of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. You see, despite the necessary busyness, I’ve found myself with less time and energy to spend with my God, whom I love dearly... and I’ve felt it. I don’t like it. Taking the time to sit in His presence through prayer and worship is simply my favorite thing to do. I crave those moments with Him daily.

When life gets busy, it’s all too easy to forget what truly matters. During my time in worship, the still small voice of God has been whispering, “Are you a Mary or a Martha?” If you’re wondering, “Who are Mary and Martha, and what do they have to do with me?” let me explain their story.

The Sisters of Bethany

Mary and Martha are the younger sisters of Lazarus, hailing from a little town called Bethany—not too far from another little town called Nazareth. They were a family of some wealth and had grown up with Jesus. He regarded them highly, becoming very close with Lazarus—like a brother, really. Lazarus is a name you would recognize, whether you’re a Christian or not. At that time, it was synonymous with resurrection and the miraculous power of Jesus. The Pharisees despised him for it.

This beloved family often welcomed Jesus into their home. He would visit them with His disciples, spending time teaching and sharing. On one particular visit to Bethany, prior to Lazarus' death and subsequent resurrection, both Mary and Martha received news of Jesus’ imminent arrival. They began preparing for His visit in slightly different ways. As was custom, the women of the home would prepare food and tidy up to honor their guest. This was a sign of great respect and love.

Different Choices

Both sisters approached His arrival with excitement, cooking and preparing. Upon His arrival, they eagerly ran to greet Him. However, once Jesus and His disciples were ushered into the home, the two women parted ways by choice. Mary, the younger sister, chose to abandon her customary duties to sit with Him, listen to His stories, and soak in His teachings. Meanwhile, Martha, the older sister, returned to her preparations.

You might be feeling some frustration towards Mary’s actions—perhaps even calling her selfish for leaving her older sister to handle the preparations alone. At this point, Jesus had become quite renowned for the miracles He performed, and the buzz around Him was palpable. Martha, dutifully preparing food fit for a king, became increasingly disgruntled with her younger sister. Eventually, Jesus noticed her distress and inquired about what was bothering her. She replied, " Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha” He said, “you are worried about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” He continued, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it won’t be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) This reply may seem harsh, but He intended to draw Martha’s attention to what mattered most. They wouldn’t have Him in their presence for much longer. He wanted her to focus on His presence, His wisdom, and the peace that came with it. Gently rebuked, Martha was soothed by Jesus and eventually joined Him.

Choosing Stillness Over Busyness

As I ponder this story, I find myself on this ordinary Saturday morning, with a floor that needs vacuuming and laundry that needs doing. Yet, I have a choice. I choose to be with Him, knowing the chores will still be there this afternoon. These moments are too precious to forgo. Life will keep moving forward. It doesn’t stop for anyone or anything. The story of Mary and Martha illustrates the importance of stillness.

When our lives become busy, like Martha, it’s easy to become disgruntled and bitter toward the world around us. We might feel that others aren’t pulling their weight, losing sight of what truly matters. When duty becomes our focus rather than beholding beauty in His presence, we become bound. This principle extends to our families as well. Busyness can lead to exhaustion and bitterness, causing us to speak harshly rather than cherishing the beauty and gift of those right in front of us.

There’s nothing wrong with being busy, especially when striving for excellence in our work or whatever we choose to do. But I, just like anyone else, need reminders not to be so busy that we fail to see the answers to prayers that may be right in front of us.

The Promise of Seeking Him

However, He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He also promises that those who “Seek ye first the kingdom and all its righteousness, the REST will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

I’m so glad that today, on this ordinary Saturday morning, I chose to be a Mary and sit with Him in His extraordinary presence rather than a Martha who would have focused on busyness instead of stillness. His presence is where I find my safety. I chose His presence and allowed it to minister to me as I write this. It’s been quite a while since I’ve written, but I love writing. In His presence, with worship music playing and a prayer in my heart, He reminded me of this.

The Call to His Presence

As Christians, we are called to His presence in humility and worship. Now, more than ever, in a world growing increasingly dark, we are called to carry His light. In this busy world, take the time to choose to be a Mary. Seek God's presence, soak in the Word, and draw in the light of Christ—a beautiful gift for all to share. I know that is where my joy, peace, and strength come from.

I will leave you with the same question that has been posed to me over the last few weeks, one I hope you will ponder: “Are you a Mary or a Martha?” Sometimes, in a world that equates busyness with fruitfulness, it’s not only okay to slow down and simply be still; it’s a necessity.

God bless you abundantly.

Priscilla

Over the last few days, we have lost a faithful voice to a callous and senseless murder. Whether you agreed with Charlie Kirk's politics or not, he was bold in his faith. My prayers remain for his wife and two young children, who have been left undoubtedly devastated by his life brutally cut short. Charlie, 31, was recently interviewed and asked this question: “If you were to die, what would you want to be remembered for?” Charlie replied, “I would want to be remembered for the courage of my faith.”

Indeed, you will be, Charlie... RIP Charlie Kirk - 1993-2025

Romans 8:28 - "And the Lord will take what was meant for evil and turn it around for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."