Mary or Martha?

My husband and I have attended the Main Street church of Christ going on two years now, but I've never been a complete stranger there. I went to school with several members, have worked with a few, and have been involved in civic organizations with others. Having that history made the transition from a little country church to a 300+ member church a bit easier for me. I miss my girlfriends and their families where we used to attend, but I have come to know and have fallen in love with so many new friends in my new church home. I must confess that Kevin and I left the old church because we became so discouraged by the hit or miss attendance of more than a few of our friends. There were other factors that came into play as well, like distance, that church being in a transition phase, etc.; but we left on good terms and still love everyone there. However, one of the main reasons we left was because we were lonely.

This message may step on some toes. Please don't be offended, because once upon a time it stepped on mine as well. I was once a prodigal daughter. I woke up one morning and didn't like the woman in the mirror. I knew she had been raised right, but she wasn't acting right. I could clearly see that living a life outside of Christ was substandard and not where I wanted to be. I returned to church and was restored. The reason I fell away from the church in the first place was for two reasons: (a) I got in with the wrong crowd; and (b) I let everyday cares and concerns that are no more unique from anyone else's serve as my excuses for not attending. That latter reason seems so innoculous. I mean, it couldn't hurt to be away every once in awhile, could it? But that's the lie Satan wants us to believe. Pretty soon, anything will be able to keep you away. That's when you become a human doing instead of a human being. I'm not talking about big, once-in-a-blue-moon events like water pipes bursting in your home, or something of that nature. I'm also not talking about when you're physically ill. I'm talking about little, piddly stuff. I'm just saying that sometimes our service to God gets shoved to the back of the line among the events in our day because we just can't be bothered with Him right now. Girlfriends, that should not be.

In Luke 10: 38-42 we have the occasion where Jesus was visiting Mary and Martha in their home. Martha was wanting to be an incredible hostess. I know that when anyone's in my home that I want to be hospitable and make them comfortable. I truly think Martha meant well and wanted to be a great hostess to Jesus and company. However, she had her priorities out of order. She was irate because Mary was sitting quietly and listening to Jesus speak. He had Mary's undivided attention. Martha probably felt "put upon," as we sometimes say here in the south. She told Jesus to tell Mary to come help her. Instead of that, however, Jesus told her that she was "worried and upset about many things," but that Mary had "chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."

How often, like Martha, do we get preoccupied with temporary matters and neglect the eternal? Repeatedly doing so will eventually cause you to become spiritually malnourished. You'll know your spirit has been taken off life support when you no longer desire to spend any time in worship, fellowship, or study with other Christians. Just remember, nobody will love your soul like your fellow Christian friends. I know I pray over several people who have no idea that I'm fearful for their spiritual well-being.

Leisure activities are not wrong in and of themselves, and time to rest is needed. I promise nobody loves to play and rest more than me. However, such should not supercede our commitment to God. Do you include Him in your plans? Do you look up the churches in the area where you plan to go on vacation? We do. It's been a fun experience and we've been warmly received everywhere we've gone. We haven't missed out on any fun anywhere we've vacationed because we chose to attend worship services. It won't kill you to stop and give God an hour or two out of your week.

We need to realize that Christianity is NOT a religion. It's a whole life system. I'm supposed to "seek first the kingdom" (Mt. 6: 33) everyday. There is a cost to following Christ (Luk. 9: 59-62). However, I cannot make that excuse for I live in a free country where I get to attend worship without fear of being persecuted. Being teased by friends is not being persecuted, by the way. Tell them to grow up and get over it. Unlike Christians in communist countries and dictatorships, I've never suffered physically for my faith. I would like to think I would have the fortitude to die rather than denounce Him. If I did remain faithful under those conditions, I would be rewarded for my obedience (Mt. 19: 23-30; 2 Tim. 2: 3-4; Rev. 2: 10). That's the kind of commitment God expects from us. We in the Land of the Free are spoiled though, and sometimes we don't even give Him the bare minimum.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 tells us that we're not to forsake the assembly, but to come together for mutual encouragement. For me, meeting with fellow Christians helps me to regularly assess my own spiritual condition and recharge my batteries. Consider who else might be affected by your disinterest or decision to do something else, i.e., friends or spouses who aren't spiritually strong, children who look to you as an example, etc. You have an obligation to lead by example (Deut. 4: 9-10; Prov. 22: 6; and 1 Pet. 3: 1-2). We need to come together because:

A. We're commanded to study the Bible (2 Tim. 2: 15);

B. We need to gain knowledge with which to teach others (Heb. 5: 12);

C. We need to have a ready answer for the reason of our hope (1 Pet. 3: 15);

D. We need to be able to defend the faith (Jude 3);

E. We need to feed our souls (1 Pet. 2: 2); and

F. We need to be preparing for the Judgment (Jno. 12: 48). Have you considered what sort of people you will be spending eternity with if you choose not to be with your Christian friends? Think about that sometime.

In conclusion, I'll tell you what I've told my husband before: I need you because I love you. I don't love you because I need you.

When you're not around, I'm discouraged and I genuinely miss you. My mind makes a mental note that you've gone missing and I worry about you. I'll see you in church!

Love Ya,

God Bless!