“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha is apparently the older sibling in the family. The house is described as hers. There has probably been many years where Martha cared for her younger sister, Mary and their brother Lazarus. I have no doubt that Martha faithfully sacrificed herself in these duties and this is a great thing!

However, when we meet Martha in this account, her focus of self sacrifice for the benefit of other seems to be quite lacking. How many times does she say the word “me” when she comes to Jesus?

She draws attention to the work that she has been doing by saying that she has been working alone. And once again in her request, she asks that she receive help. She has fretted herself so much that she doesn’t think Jesus cares about her trouble at all.

Ever been there?

Our focus in discipleship should never be on ourselves.

It is not about you!

When we serve, even if we do it alone, we should never draw attention to ourselves, much less whine about our condition. By telling others how exhausted we have become in serving the Lord, we draw attention to US rather than pointing others toward the Savior.

Yes, we should be busy about serving the Lord. But we should not be full of care and troubled when we do so. If we have those feelings, then we have the wrong focus. When we do the same work but focus on Jesus, we mount up with wings as eagles!

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)