i am probably dating myself with the words of this little song from my childhood:
o be careful little eyes what you see,
o be careful little eyes what you see,
for the Father up above
is looking down in love,
so be careful little eyes what you see.
i'm reasonably sure that the lyrics of this Sunday school tune were intended to prick our little consciences when we were tempted to do something bad...and i'm pretty sure the theology of that thinking is, at the very least, not entirely gospel-driven.
However, i've been thinking about those words, and the other verses about being careful what you hear, and where you go, and what you say. The obvious application is that we, as Christ-followers, are to steer clear of sin -- that we are not to watch, listen to, engage in or speak about the things of this world which draw us into unholy living. This thinking, while not very popular, is consistent with the Psalmist's opening lines:
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord...."
And with John's sober warning, found in 1 John 2:
"Do not love the world or the things of the world...
for all that is in the world
the desires of the flesh and
the desires of the eyes and
pride in possessions is not from the Father..."
Our "little eyes", and ears and hands and feet must be careful to avoid that which is profane so that we might become holy as Christ is holy. This is (obviously) true.
But i think there's more to this little rhyme. At least for our generation of eyes and ears and hands and feet. There is a subtle and insidious danger that, left unchecked, will threaten our faith -- both personal and corporate. i'm afraid it's already making its mark on the church.
Paul would warn Timothy:
"Guard the deposit entrusted to you.
Avoid the irreverant babble and contradictions of what is falsely called 'knowledge'.
For by professing it some have swerved from the faith" (1 Tim. 6:20)
And again,
"The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching,
but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers to suit their own passions." (2 Tim. 4:3)
O be careful little ears what you hear.
Avoid listening to crass, unholy, worldly talk. Yes.
But equally threatening is the danger of weak, watered down, popular doctrine.
Be careful little ears what you hear.
It seems to me that we are enamored with teaching, text, and lyrics that are great "sound bites", but bad doctrine. We quote people who have a "silver tongue", but whose content is weak at best and often its just wrong.
If it's a best seller, it must be worth reading.
If people camp out to hear him, he must be worth listening to.
If he's sincere, he must be right.
If it sounds good, it must be worth quoting (on FB).
No. No. No. No.
The time is coming, and indeed is here, when we are accumulating for ourselves teachers to suit our own passions.
Teachers who pick & choose from Scripture.
Teachers who avoid difficult --- unpopular --- subjects.
Teachers who take Scripture out of context to make it relevant.
Teachers who are more concerned about how they look and how they are perceived than about declaring truth.
The time is coming and is indeed here. And people are swerving from the faith. This is serious stuff.
Be careful little eyes what you see.
Be careful little ears what you hear.
Be careful little lips what you say.
Here's a suggestion. Before we repeat or quote or recommend or live by anything other than Scripture, we need to ask ourselves,
Is this consistent with the whole council of God?
Does it ring true with His character and nature throughout history?
Does it reflect the great thinkers of the faith from all the generations of history?
If you're not sure, don't quote it.
Instead, study it.
Turn it over in your mind.
Search the Scripture.
Ask the HolySpirit for understanding.
Ask someone to help you think rightly!
The little chorus that i quoted as i began is most certainly not theologically complete. But it does make a point for our generation. Paul would warn the Thessalonians: "Test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thess. 5:21)
Not everything that is taught or preached or written is "sound". i'm afraid that's particularly true in our evangelical culture. People are swerving.
Look out.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
"God helps those who help themselves"...seriously?
"You know, Susan, the Bible says 'God helps those who help themselves'"... i sat with a friend over coffee not too long ago and this was the theological underpining of her side of our discussion. In my mind, i thought: "It does? Really?" i silently ran through all the verses that i have memorized (which didn't take long). i did a quick mental survey of themes from Scripture to try to recall where that phrase would fit. i came up empty...but i didn't trust my own theology and i let it go.
Since it bugged me even after i left my friend, i did what all good theologians do. i googled it :-). Seems that the phrase: God helps those who helps themselves either came from Aesop's fables, Benjamin Franklin, or some ancient Greek tragedy (thanks, Wikipedia). In any case, it most certainly did not come from the Bible.
As i thought about it later (i'm slow...i know), it occurred to me that the idea that God helps those who help themselves is actually completely unbiblical and is not consistent with the Gospel at all. How grateful am i that God helps those who are completely helpless? That He stoops down and reaches in and "helps" those who actually do really stupid, really wicked, and really self-destructive things? Consider Romans 5:8 "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us".
God helps those who cannot help themselves. That is the Gospel.
Beyond the obvious and specific concern that i might have around this particular discussion, my friend's genuine mistake illustrates a point that is increasingly on my mind...and it's one reason for my belaboring the story of Martha for so many weeks.
We are increasingly not a generation of thinking women.
Case in point. We have been told, and we have believed, that the story of Mary & Martha is about two personality types: the godly and thoughtful and quiet and devoted-to-Christ sister and the bossy, pushy sister whose priorities are hopelessly out of order. One blog i saw recently called this the "Martha syndrome". Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr. However, at the risk of repeating myself, Luke's account of Martha's encounter with Jesus is not God's indictment of busy women. It is, instead, his tender invitation to abundant life in the midst of diligent and faithful (and busy) service. If you don't believe me, read the rest of Martha's story --- from John 11 & 12.
Sisters. We must be diligent and serious about our theology. Too many of us have relegated biblical thinking to seminarians and scholars...and our theology is slipping. We don't have the time or the inclination to study on our own...and our theology is slipping. We are watching sitcoms, listening to advertisers, and singing along to music that is completely contrary to all that is holy and profitable and gospel-promoting. And our theology is slipping.
And so someone says that the Bible says "God helps those who help themselves". And we believe it.
And someone writes a catchy caption on facebook, and we "like" it. (Just a cursory look at FB affords more than two dozen quotes, captions, cartoons, or ads that other people have "liked" and "shared" on my wall...doesn't anyone have anything original to say anymore?)
And someone makes a video about "loving Jesus and hating religion" and it goes viral.
And someone tells us that we must be more like Mary than like Martha. And we sigh in defeat.
SERIOUSLY?
Perhaps more than ever, this generation of women must be thinking about what we listen to, what we read, and what we repeat. i am not sure that we appreciate the subtle influence of the culture --- not only on our habits, on how we spend our time, and on how we invest our money, but on our faith. Where did we pick up the idea that "God helps those who help themselves"? That's capitalist thinking that has invaded our faith. How is it possible to "love Jesus and hate religion"? That's postmodern thinking that has invaded our faith. Why do we think that, as women, we should be "more like Mary than like Martha"? That's sociological thinking (aka "personality tests") that has invaded our faith.
i understand that doctrine is not flashy and hip. i know that the clarion call to the study of theology will sound as if we are blowing the dust off a weighty, irrelevant volume from a bookshelf full of more captivating titles.
But even as i say that, my thinking conscience cries: Malarky!
Theology. Theo = God. Logos = knowledge. Theology = the knowledge of God.
HOW IS THAT IRRELEVANT?
i am in danger of getting on a soapbox here. Suffice it to say that i honestly believe that, without some serious course correction, the church will suffer if its women do not engage with one another, with their families, and with the world in a way that reflects sound doctrine and good theology. What would happen if we stopped quoting one another in favor of quoting Scripture? What if our advice and our encouragement and our admonishment came primarily from God's Word?
God helps those whom He chooses to help.
A much less popular sound bite. But one that is actually rooted in Scripture* and proven throughout history. i am forever grateful that He chose me, and i desperately want to represent Him faithfully to my generation. To do so will require thoughtful, disciplined study.......
The bottom line? i think i need a hiatus from facebook theology.
*See Deut. 7:7, 10:15; Nehemiah 9:7; Psalm 78:70; John 15:16, 19; Ephesians 1:4
Since it bugged me even after i left my friend, i did what all good theologians do. i googled it :-). Seems that the phrase: God helps those who helps themselves either came from Aesop's fables, Benjamin Franklin, or some ancient Greek tragedy (thanks, Wikipedia). In any case, it most certainly did not come from the Bible.
As i thought about it later (i'm slow...i know), it occurred to me that the idea that God helps those who help themselves is actually completely unbiblical and is not consistent with the Gospel at all. How grateful am i that God helps those who are completely helpless? That He stoops down and reaches in and "helps" those who actually do really stupid, really wicked, and really self-destructive things? Consider Romans 5:8 "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us".
God helps those who cannot help themselves. That is the Gospel.
Beyond the obvious and specific concern that i might have around this particular discussion, my friend's genuine mistake illustrates a point that is increasingly on my mind...and it's one reason for my belaboring the story of Martha for so many weeks.
We are increasingly not a generation of thinking women.
Case in point. We have been told, and we have believed, that the story of Mary & Martha is about two personality types: the godly and thoughtful and quiet and devoted-to-Christ sister and the bossy, pushy sister whose priorities are hopelessly out of order. One blog i saw recently called this the "Martha syndrome". Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr. However, at the risk of repeating myself, Luke's account of Martha's encounter with Jesus is not God's indictment of busy women. It is, instead, his tender invitation to abundant life in the midst of diligent and faithful (and busy) service. If you don't believe me, read the rest of Martha's story --- from John 11 & 12.
Sisters. We must be diligent and serious about our theology. Too many of us have relegated biblical thinking to seminarians and scholars...and our theology is slipping. We don't have the time or the inclination to study on our own...and our theology is slipping. We are watching sitcoms, listening to advertisers, and singing along to music that is completely contrary to all that is holy and profitable and gospel-promoting. And our theology is slipping.
And so someone says that the Bible says "God helps those who help themselves". And we believe it.
And someone writes a catchy caption on facebook, and we "like" it. (Just a cursory look at FB affords more than two dozen quotes, captions, cartoons, or ads that other people have "liked" and "shared" on my wall...doesn't anyone have anything original to say anymore?)
And someone makes a video about "loving Jesus and hating religion" and it goes viral.
And someone tells us that we must be more like Mary than like Martha. And we sigh in defeat.
SERIOUSLY?
Perhaps more than ever, this generation of women must be thinking about what we listen to, what we read, and what we repeat. i am not sure that we appreciate the subtle influence of the culture --- not only on our habits, on how we spend our time, and on how we invest our money, but on our faith. Where did we pick up the idea that "God helps those who help themselves"? That's capitalist thinking that has invaded our faith. How is it possible to "love Jesus and hate religion"? That's postmodern thinking that has invaded our faith. Why do we think that, as women, we should be "more like Mary than like Martha"? That's sociological thinking (aka "personality tests") that has invaded our faith.
i understand that doctrine is not flashy and hip. i know that the clarion call to the study of theology will sound as if we are blowing the dust off a weighty, irrelevant volume from a bookshelf full of more captivating titles.
But even as i say that, my thinking conscience cries: Malarky!
Theology. Theo = God. Logos = knowledge. Theology = the knowledge of God.
HOW IS THAT IRRELEVANT?
i am in danger of getting on a soapbox here. Suffice it to say that i honestly believe that, without some serious course correction, the church will suffer if its women do not engage with one another, with their families, and with the world in a way that reflects sound doctrine and good theology. What would happen if we stopped quoting one another in favor of quoting Scripture? What if our advice and our encouragement and our admonishment came primarily from God's Word?
God helps those whom He chooses to help.
A much less popular sound bite. But one that is actually rooted in Scripture* and proven throughout history. i am forever grateful that He chose me, and i desperately want to represent Him faithfully to my generation. To do so will require thoughtful, disciplined study.......
The bottom line? i think i need a hiatus from facebook theology.
*See Deut. 7:7, 10:15; Nehemiah 9:7; Psalm 78:70; John 15:16, 19; Ephesians 1:4
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Happy Birthday, Daddy
Tomorrow (well, almost today) would have been my Dad's birthday. He was born 75 years ago. He went to live with Jesus in November, 2001.
i'm not sure a day has gone by since then that i haven't thought about him....wondered what his life is like. i know that this world pales in comparison, but i can't help thinking sometimes that he would have loved this life for a little while longer. He would have been so proud of my son...and so grateful for Ashley. At Hannah & Dave's wedding, he would surely have embarrassed his first-born grandchild with his superlative-laden approval --- insisting that she was "the most beautiful bride ever born" :). And Dave is a man after Daddy's own heart. Sigh.
i've been thinking today that there are alot of things that i don't understand about this life.
i really don't understand why the Lord heals some people and withholds His healing from others.
i don't understand His "prospering" of one population, while another starves.
i don't understand the mercy of the Lord extended to people who deny Him.
Even more so, people who claim to know Him yet trample on His holiness.
i don't understand broken vows, and broken marriages and broken homes.
i don't understand how it's possible for children to be illiterate.
i don't understand the hatred that fuels violence.
i don't understand death. It leaves people lonely. And empty.
"...when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God...Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you...."
Psalm 73. So grateful for "the sanctuary of God"....the actual physical sanctuary. The Living presence of Almighty God who speaks truth to me in spite of my circumstances and emotion.
Here's what i know is true...in the context of what i don't understand.
God is faithful and just.
His love is steadfast.
His mercies are new every morning.
He is good.
He is wise.
He is perfect.
He loves me with an everlasting love.
He loves my dad. And my mom.
And my brothers & sisters...
As i was teaching a workshop last week, i was reminded that people who work with Alzheimer's patients are often called "Memory Loss Assistants"...it's their job to rehearse the names of important people, dates, and significant life moments for their patients to exercise their ability to remember.
That's what worship was for me today. A "memory loss assistant". i needed a reminder. A much-needed nudge in the direction of the Truth.
"...my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever..."
Sometimes you have to cling to what you know is true. Even if you are hanging on by your fingernails.
Happy Birthday, Daddy. i miss you.
But i'm confident that God's plan for our family is intact.
He has not forgotten us.
Thank you, Father, for the reminder. i needed that.
i'm not sure a day has gone by since then that i haven't thought about him....wondered what his life is like. i know that this world pales in comparison, but i can't help thinking sometimes that he would have loved this life for a little while longer. He would have been so proud of my son...and so grateful for Ashley. At Hannah & Dave's wedding, he would surely have embarrassed his first-born grandchild with his superlative-laden approval --- insisting that she was "the most beautiful bride ever born" :). And Dave is a man after Daddy's own heart. Sigh.
i've been thinking today that there are alot of things that i don't understand about this life.
i really don't understand why the Lord heals some people and withholds His healing from others.
i don't understand His "prospering" of one population, while another starves.
i don't understand the mercy of the Lord extended to people who deny Him.
Even more so, people who claim to know Him yet trample on His holiness.
i don't understand broken vows, and broken marriages and broken homes.
i don't understand how it's possible for children to be illiterate.
i don't understand the hatred that fuels violence.
i don't understand death. It leaves people lonely. And empty.
"...when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God...Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you...."
Psalm 73. So grateful for "the sanctuary of God"....the actual physical sanctuary. The Living presence of Almighty God who speaks truth to me in spite of my circumstances and emotion.
Here's what i know is true...in the context of what i don't understand.
God is faithful and just.
His love is steadfast.
His mercies are new every morning.
He is good.
He is wise.
He is perfect.
He loves me with an everlasting love.
He loves my dad. And my mom.
And my brothers & sisters...
As i was teaching a workshop last week, i was reminded that people who work with Alzheimer's patients are often called "Memory Loss Assistants"...it's their job to rehearse the names of important people, dates, and significant life moments for their patients to exercise their ability to remember.
That's what worship was for me today. A "memory loss assistant". i needed a reminder. A much-needed nudge in the direction of the Truth.
"...my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever..."
Sometimes you have to cling to what you know is true. Even if you are hanging on by your fingernails.
Happy Birthday, Daddy. i miss you.
But i'm confident that God's plan for our family is intact.
He has not forgotten us.
Thank you, Father, for the reminder. i needed that.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The fragrance of my soul
In her book Tender Mercies for a Mother's Soul, Angela Guffey remarks: "We are designed to function poorly, to feel overwhelmed and alone apart from our relationship with Jesus. We are made to be lost without God...most of the time, my spirit is the fragrance of my soul --- the indicator of how things are going ... My spirit always tells the truth. When i am anxious or nervous, i know that my soul needs attention. When i am bitter or resentful, the truth is that my soul is empty. When i am overcome with self-pity and doubt, my heart is really screaming for intimacy with my Savior."
Thank you, Angela.
It's the punch line to our story.
Jesus comes to Martha's house.
While He is teaching, she is slaving away in the kitchen,
"distracted by things that had to be done."
(If you think i'm being sarcastic, you've missed a few blogs...
you might want to back up.)
Meanwhile, her sister sits at the feet of the Savior, soaking in His presence and His teaching.
When Martha reaches the end of her rope,
she unloads on Jesus and demands that He get her some help ---
preferably from her o-so-content sister.
i am on the tail end of one of the busiest seasons i've had in a very long time. One evening, after a particularly long day, i got into my car at 9:30ish and it was all i could do not to cry. i wasn't sad, or angry, or discouraged. i was just so tired... and it seemed like the only thing to do.
i'm thinking Martha felt that way too. And Jesus knew how tired she was. He knew how hard she had worked. He knew that she was doing her best to honor Him and provide for their friends. It's why i love this story. He didn't yell at her. He didn't compare her to "the good sister". He didn't really even tell her what to do.
He looked into her soul (think Psalm 139:23-25) and saw just what Angela described. Her anxiety, bitterness, resentment and self-pity overflowed from the emptiness of her soul. Jesus knew that her demanding outburst really reflected a heart screaming for intimacy with Him.
And so He offered her an invitation.
"Only one thing is needed."
Seriously? (i respond in my sanctified imagination to Jesus' remark.)
Yes, Susan. (He patiently and tenderly responds.)
Only one thing.
One.
i hear it, and i sigh with hope and expectation. What is the "one thing"? Time? Energy? Courage? A sister who carries her own weight? Not exactly.
"Mary has chosen what is better..."
And there it is. The infamous statement that has become the mantra that separates the "busy women" from the "spiritual ones". Only i suspect we've misinterpreted Jesus' meaning.
Jesus looks Martha in the eye and says (i'm paraphrasing): "You want me to help you? Great. Join your sister and have a seat."
And this is Martha's dilemma. Mine too. Most days, i'd love to have a seat. i'd love to set the list aside. Prioritize my day and choose to "sit with Jesus". Like Mary. But i just don't think it's as simple as that. Something tells me that's not what Jesus meant.
At the risk of repeating myself, Jesus did not say to Martha "Stop being busy". "Stop preparing dinner." He said Mary's choice was better. That sitting at His feet and listening to His teaching was better than being distracted by the list and the pressure. He said that to sit and listen was better than being worried and anxious about many things.
Considering Jesus' comment in the context of all of Scripture is helpful here. Over and over and over again as people met Jesus, they fell at His feet. In worship.* Mary's position at Jesus' feet is not just a coincidence of the seating arrangement. She chooses to be there because she wants to worship Him. She adores Him. And her position gives her heart away.
Mary's nearness to Jesus is the picture, the illustration, of what He longs for for Martha.
It's not the sitting that is better.
It's the worship.
The one thing needed, intimacy with Jesus, is found in the posture of Mary's soul....This is Jesus' invitation to Martha. To engage her heart with His in devotion.
Such a posture can be enjoyed literally at His feet, as this photograph so beautifully illustrates. But intimacy with the Savior is not limited by location. Jesus' engraved invitation might have read something like this:
...in the kitchen.
...Or in the living room.
...Or in the office.
....Or in the van.
...Or in the gym.
...Or in the darkness of a parking lot after a very long day, at 9:30 at night.
It isn't about physical proximity. It's about a heart screaming for intimacy with the Savior. And He isn't limited by location.
Can i get an "AMEN"?
*Consider Jairus, and the woman with the bleeding condition, and the man with leprosy, an dthe women who were met on the road by the risen Savior....each of these fell down before Him and worshipped Him,
Thank you, Angela.
It's the punch line to our story.
Jesus comes to Martha's house.
While He is teaching, she is slaving away in the kitchen,
"distracted by things that had to be done."
(If you think i'm being sarcastic, you've missed a few blogs...
you might want to back up.)
Meanwhile, her sister sits at the feet of the Savior, soaking in His presence and His teaching.
When Martha reaches the end of her rope,
she unloads on Jesus and demands that He get her some help ---
preferably from her o-so-content sister.
i am on the tail end of one of the busiest seasons i've had in a very long time. One evening, after a particularly long day, i got into my car at 9:30ish and it was all i could do not to cry. i wasn't sad, or angry, or discouraged. i was just so tired... and it seemed like the only thing to do.
i'm thinking Martha felt that way too. And Jesus knew how tired she was. He knew how hard she had worked. He knew that she was doing her best to honor Him and provide for their friends. It's why i love this story. He didn't yell at her. He didn't compare her to "the good sister". He didn't really even tell her what to do.
He looked into her soul (think Psalm 139:23-25) and saw just what Angela described. Her anxiety, bitterness, resentment and self-pity overflowed from the emptiness of her soul. Jesus knew that her demanding outburst really reflected a heart screaming for intimacy with Him.
And so He offered her an invitation.
"Only one thing is needed."
Seriously? (i respond in my sanctified imagination to Jesus' remark.)
Yes, Susan. (He patiently and tenderly responds.)
Only one thing.
One.
i hear it, and i sigh with hope and expectation. What is the "one thing"? Time? Energy? Courage? A sister who carries her own weight? Not exactly.
"Mary has chosen what is better..."
And there it is. The infamous statement that has become the mantra that separates the "busy women" from the "spiritual ones". Only i suspect we've misinterpreted Jesus' meaning.
Jesus looks Martha in the eye and says (i'm paraphrasing): "You want me to help you? Great. Join your sister and have a seat."
And this is Martha's dilemma. Mine too. Most days, i'd love to have a seat. i'd love to set the list aside. Prioritize my day and choose to "sit with Jesus". Like Mary. But i just don't think it's as simple as that. Something tells me that's not what Jesus meant.
At the risk of repeating myself, Jesus did not say to Martha "Stop being busy". "Stop preparing dinner." He said Mary's choice was better. That sitting at His feet and listening to His teaching was better than being distracted by the list and the pressure. He said that to sit and listen was better than being worried and anxious about many things.
Considering Jesus' comment in the context of all of Scripture is helpful here. Over and over and over again as people met Jesus, they fell at His feet. In worship.* Mary's position at Jesus' feet is not just a coincidence of the seating arrangement. She chooses to be there because she wants to worship Him. She adores Him. And her position gives her heart away.
Mary's nearness to Jesus is the picture, the illustration, of what He longs for for Martha.
It's not the sitting that is better.
It's the worship.
The one thing needed, intimacy with Jesus, is found in the posture of Mary's soul....This is Jesus' invitation to Martha. To engage her heart with His in devotion.
Such a posture can be enjoyed literally at His feet, as this photograph so beautifully illustrates. But intimacy with the Savior is not limited by location. Jesus' engraved invitation might have read something like this:
Martha, Martha
You are cordially invited
to the one thing needed.
Worship Me.
At any time.
In any place.
...in the kitchen.
...Or in the living room.
...Or in the office.
....Or in the van.
...Or in the gym.
...Or in the darkness of a parking lot after a very long day, at 9:30 at night.
It isn't about physical proximity. It's about a heart screaming for intimacy with the Savior. And He isn't limited by location.
Can i get an "AMEN"?
*Consider Jairus, and the woman with the bleeding condition, and the man with leprosy, an dthe women who were met on the road by the risen Savior....each of these fell down before Him and worshipped Him,
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Two wrongs and a right
i have a vivid memory this morning as i ponder this installment on Martha's story. i was in the car with Hannah...she was probably in middle school...and i was recounting for her all of my duties and responsibilities for the day. Without missing a beat (and not meaning to be disrespectful) she responded: "Don't you ever relax, mom? Don't you ever get tired of having a list of things to do?"
i wonder if Mary ever asked Martha something similar?
Just to recap my meanderings about her story...
i wonder if Mary ever asked Martha something similar?
Just to recap my meanderings about her story...
- Martha was distracted. i feel sure she would have loved to have been sitting with Jesus, savoring His every Word.
- By all of things that had to be done. i suspect, if she had a "to do" list, hers would trump mine on my busiest day.
- She finally lost it. Her frustration got the best of her and she reprimanded the Savior. Wow.
- And Jesus didn't yell at her. He was more worried about her soul than about her attitude.
i know it may seem as if i'm dragging this out...but trust me when i say that i'm just getting started :-). i love this stuff. i'll move on before too long, but this is too good to pass up.
Looking again as if at a snapshot from Martha's life with Jesus, it's curious to me that He did not chastise Martha for being busy. Over the years, as i've heard this story in the context of "busy-is-bad", somehow i've assumed that Jesus wanted Martha to stop being busy.
But Jesus didn't say,
"Stop working. Stop preparing. Never mind the dinner."
He really didn't even tell Martha what to do.
Am i the only one who thought that was in there somewhere?????
Jesus was a pretty busy man. Perusing his personal photo album, i'm hard-pressed to find Him relaxing. His days were filled with meaningful interactions and activity. Check out the snapshots included just on the Matthew 14 page of the scrapbook...exhausting day. No rest for the weary. Literally.
Contrary to my own mis-interpretation, it's not Martha's busy-ness that caused Jesus' gentle reprimand. His response to her impertinent demand has little to do with her schedule. Isn't that good news?
And one more erroneous conclusion, while we're at it. This is a pet peeve....so skip the next few paragraphs if you think i've already beaten a dead horse. Please notice that Jesus did not say: "Why can't you be more like Mary?" Go ahead. Admit it. You've looked at this snapshot and assumed that --- even if He didn't say it --- that's what Jesus thought. (Picture the little bubble above His head with those words...ugh.)
Jesus never minced words.
As you flip through the pages of His story, if Jesus had something to say,
He said it.
And He never said: "Why can't you be more like your sister?"
Jesus did not want Martha to be like Mary. Jesus wanted Martha to be Martha. After all, and this is important, He created her. She was His "work of art"*. He had designed her, calculated and planned her deliberate creation long before the foundation of the world. If Jesus wanted Martha to be more like Mary, He would have made her so. Martha was special and unique (if a bit bossy). And Jesus liked her that way.
Isn't that intriguing????
This is why i love this snapshot of Martha. i feel sad that it is so often dismissed, as if it's an embarrassment. We either skip the picture...because we've already seen it...or we look at it with disdain and hope not to be like poor Martha.
But what if we refused to turn the page? What if we considered this really as one snapshot in the context of a whole album of pictures from Martha's life? What if we took the time to see what really happened here?
This is not a picture of Jesus chastising Martha for her impertinence.
It's not a picture of the Savior telling her to stop being busy.
It's not a picture of Him wishing that Martha was more like Mary.
It's a snapshot of an invitation. An invitation that Martha could not refuse.
*check out Ephesians 2:10
Sunday, September 23, 2012
WWJND...is that allowed?
i have spent much of my life desiring more from my relationship with Jesus, feeling guilty for having less, and becoming complacent in my disappointment. It just doesn't seem possible to achieve the presumably quiet, contemplative life that Mary enjoys.
i love to teach and write and be with women, but there are only so many hours in the day. Our children are grown and we've begun a new chapter in our lives with them, but i will always be their mom...and now there are four! i have family that i love and i long for time to spend with them. i have friends that are neglected, too. There is a stack of books on my desk that grows almost weekly with "must-read" recommendations. Life is full. Expectations never stop. Every season is demanding.
i am distracted by things that have to be done. But you know this.
i have made attempts over the years to set priorities, organize my life, balance my schedule. i have used every tool on the market, both philosophical and technological. Balance eludes me. i wonder if it's even possible.
And sometimes i feel stuck. Right here. In this moment. In this snapshot. i am distracted. i am short-tempered. i am snappy with Jesus. Much like Martha....who reached the end of her hospitable rope and let Jesus have it.
"Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."
Again, love this sister....while holding my breath, waiting.
WWJD? (Corny. i know. But you knew it was coming.) What will Jesus do? And that's important...i'll get to it. But first, what's really intriguing, what reveals much about Jesus and His love for Martha is what He does not do. (WWJND. i know i'm tampering with the near-sacred acronym. Coudn't be helped.)
"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Isn't it crazy that Jesus does not rebuke Martha for her impertinence? He does not scold her, demanding an explanation for her outburst. The infamous "mom" line would have served the Savior well here: "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN THAT TONE OF VOICE!"
Don't you think it's interesting that Jesus gave Martha the freedom to be frustrated?
It seems worth noting that i see images in some detail as i study this little family photo, but Jesus sees much more. He sees beyond the sepia toned expression on Martha's face. He sees more than the kitchen towel flung over her shoulder as her hands are placed on her hips in aggravation. To quote the Psalmist, Jesus "searches [Martha's] heart ... and knows her anxious thoughts..."
He knows the state of her soul, and He is more concerned for her distraction, her worry and anxiety than He is for her disrespect.
Psalm 51:6 is a reminder that Jesus "desires truth", even if its delivery is less than gracious.
Martha is safe with Jesus.
Safe to be frustrated.
Safe to be angry.
Safe to be discouraged.
Safe to be exhausted.
Don't you love Him for that?
i love to teach and write and be with women, but there are only so many hours in the day. Our children are grown and we've begun a new chapter in our lives with them, but i will always be their mom...and now there are four! i have family that i love and i long for time to spend with them. i have friends that are neglected, too. There is a stack of books on my desk that grows almost weekly with "must-read" recommendations. Life is full. Expectations never stop. Every season is demanding.
i am distracted by things that have to be done. But you know this.
i have made attempts over the years to set priorities, organize my life, balance my schedule. i have used every tool on the market, both philosophical and technological. Balance eludes me. i wonder if it's even possible.
And sometimes i feel stuck. Right here. In this moment. In this snapshot. i am distracted. i am short-tempered. i am snappy with Jesus. Much like Martha....who reached the end of her hospitable rope and let Jesus have it.
"Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."
Again, love this sister....while holding my breath, waiting.
WWJD? (Corny. i know. But you knew it was coming.) What will Jesus do? And that's important...i'll get to it. But first, what's really intriguing, what reveals much about Jesus and His love for Martha is what He does not do. (WWJND. i know i'm tampering with the near-sacred acronym. Coudn't be helped.)
"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Isn't it crazy that Jesus does not rebuke Martha for her impertinence? He does not scold her, demanding an explanation for her outburst. The infamous "mom" line would have served the Savior well here: "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN THAT TONE OF VOICE!"
Don't you think it's interesting that Jesus gave Martha the freedom to be frustrated?
It seems worth noting that i see images in some detail as i study this little family photo, but Jesus sees much more. He sees beyond the sepia toned expression on Martha's face. He sees more than the kitchen towel flung over her shoulder as her hands are placed on her hips in aggravation. To quote the Psalmist, Jesus "searches [Martha's] heart ... and knows her anxious thoughts..."
He knows the state of her soul, and He is more concerned for her distraction, her worry and anxiety than He is for her disrespect.
Psalm 51:6 is a reminder that Jesus "desires truth", even if its delivery is less than gracious.
Martha is safe with Jesus.
Safe to be frustrated.
Safe to be angry.
Safe to be discouraged.
Safe to be exhausted.
Don't you love Him for that?
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Distracted.
Leslie and i were driving to the beach to surprise my mom for her birthday. We stopped for gas and a snack, picking up our conversation right where we left off as i pulled back onto the highway. After about twenty minutes, i wondered out loud why the scenery looked vaguely familiar. Turning to my trusty GPS, i realized that i had been so distracted by our conversation that i had turned the wrong way on the highway and went back the way we had come.....rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! i wish that i could site that as unusual, but it's probably more typical than i'd care to admit.
Distractions. Email. Text messages. Worry. Facebook. Pinterest. TV. Fear. Blogs.
It's one of the reasons i love this story. Especially in this season these few verses resonate with pages from my own journal.
"Mary...sat at the Lord's feet listening to what [Jesus] said. But Martha was distracted..."
Distracted. "Unable to concentrate because one's mind is preoccupied."
Interesting that Martha's world was much less techno-savvy than mine, but she, too, was distracted.
And she's never lived that down.
i suspect that on some level Martha would have loved the privilege of joining Mary. i can imagine that it would have been a relief to sit for a while and enjoy the company. i wonder if she tried to concentrate on what the Savior was saying? If maybe she tried, briefly, to take a break and listen...only to be preoccupied....
Sounds familiar. How often have i determined to pray, started off highly engaged and, within minutes...lost. Yesterday, i picked up a worthy book to read just one chapter, and only made it through three pages. Sigh.
"Martha was distracted by all the preparation that had to be made..."
Here's a detail that most of us have missed as we've looked at this familiar photo over and over again. Luke [the author] describes Martha being distracted, preoccupied, by things that had to be done.
Pretty much every Sunday morning, i take the time to draw out my schedule on graph paper. People make fun of me for this because i do know how to use Outlook and i know i can actually print my calendar. But there is something helpful for me about actually drawing the calendar and using my colored markers to organize my week.
Martha had guests in her home. It was dinnertime. Typically, preparations for guests would have begun long before sunrise, but it is probable that Martha didn't know Jesus was coming with an entourage (not having the benefit of an "OMW" text*). There was water to be hauled and boiled, chickens to be killed and plucked, wine to be pressed and wheat to be ground. i don't expect that there was much "fluff".
Somehow i think we've pictured her making too much of things, as if she was trying to impress people. Like the other Martha of our day: whipping up a centerpiece out of twigs and berries, serving a decadent and magnificent meal, finished off with a refreshing but light dessert.
But that's not the way Luke pictures her.
Look at the photograph again. Martha was distracted by preparations that had to be made.
i feel such a sisterhood with this woman. Sigh. Again.
*code in our family for "on my way"
Distractions. Email. Text messages. Worry. Facebook. Pinterest. TV. Fear. Blogs.
It's one of the reasons i love this story. Especially in this season these few verses resonate with pages from my own journal.
"Mary...sat at the Lord's feet listening to what [Jesus] said. But Martha was distracted..."
Distracted. "Unable to concentrate because one's mind is preoccupied."
Interesting that Martha's world was much less techno-savvy than mine, but she, too, was distracted.
And she's never lived that down.
i suspect that on some level Martha would have loved the privilege of joining Mary. i can imagine that it would have been a relief to sit for a while and enjoy the company. i wonder if she tried to concentrate on what the Savior was saying? If maybe she tried, briefly, to take a break and listen...only to be preoccupied....
Sounds familiar. How often have i determined to pray, started off highly engaged and, within minutes...lost. Yesterday, i picked up a worthy book to read just one chapter, and only made it through three pages. Sigh.
"Martha was distracted by all the preparation that had to be made..."
Here's a detail that most of us have missed as we've looked at this familiar photo over and over again. Luke [the author] describes Martha being distracted, preoccupied, by things that had to be done.
Pretty much every Sunday morning, i take the time to draw out my schedule on graph paper. People make fun of me for this because i do know how to use Outlook and i know i can actually print my calendar. But there is something helpful for me about actually drawing the calendar and using my colored markers to organize my week.
- Office stuff - orange.
- Meetings with people - purple.
- Personal stuff - pink.
Martha had guests in her home. It was dinnertime. Typically, preparations for guests would have begun long before sunrise, but it is probable that Martha didn't know Jesus was coming with an entourage (not having the benefit of an "OMW" text*). There was water to be hauled and boiled, chickens to be killed and plucked, wine to be pressed and wheat to be ground. i don't expect that there was much "fluff".
Somehow i think we've pictured her making too much of things, as if she was trying to impress people. Like the other Martha of our day: whipping up a centerpiece out of twigs and berries, serving a decadent and magnificent meal, finished off with a refreshing but light dessert.
But that's not the way Luke pictures her.
Look at the photograph again. Martha was distracted by preparations that had to be made.
i feel such a sisterhood with this woman. Sigh. Again.
*code in our family for "on my way"
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