Worry and Stress: Attitudes and Priorities Out of Balance

Do you work extra hard and stress over every detail when entertaining in your home? Do you go out of your way to impress, or are you satisfied with spending time with and enjoying your company? A Bible story speaks about this very thing. It's the familiar story of Mary and Martha, two sisters who had the Lord as a house guest. Here's what happened and what we can learn from it.

Mary chose to sit with and enjoy her houseguest, and Martha chose to overachieve in the kitchen. As a result, Martha grew irritated over having to carry the whole load of work. So, she spoke directly to Jesus about it. She accused Him of not caring about her--for she believed if He truly cared, He would tell her sister to get up and come help. Let's look at this passage.

Luke 10:38-40 (NIV)

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 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!"

Isn't it interesting how Martha attributed Jesus' care for her to His response to her request? Martha had it all figured out. She had determined that Jesus would lighten her load and demonstrate His care for her. But Jesus' response wasn't what Martha had expected. His response was a lesson in priorities and attitudes. Let's look at the next two verses.

Luke:10:41-42 NIV)

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Nothing was wrong with what Martha was doing. In fact, a certain amount of doing is necessary. What Jesus spoke to her about was her attitude of worry and the stress it put her under. Martha had her priorities out of balance.

Jesus spoke to Martha as the hostess of her home, commending her for her preparations, but showing her that she was placing too much importance on the meal--that a more simple meal would have been sufficient.

Personal Application: Attitudes and Priorities

The Lord is never impressed with neglected duties or a poor work ethic, but we must learn to give work its due and not let it move our priorities out of balance. Let's take it one step further. In the process, we too must learn not to look down on those who don't share our system of values regarding household chores and meal preparations. A gourmet meal is certainly an eye-pleasing delicacy, but is it necessary in order for your company to enjoy themselves in your home?

This is what Jesus was getting at with Martha. One dish would have done the trick. Her work wasn't the problem; her attitude needed correcting and her perspectives needed changing.

What about us in general? Do we overachieve for the chance at praise, or do we get irritated with those who don't share our priorities? Do we accuse Jesus of not caring for us when our load get too heavy? Perhaps we need an attitude adjustment as Martha did, and maybe we need to learn to spend less time overachieving and more time enjoying the presence of Jesus right where we live.