You may know the story of the sisters Mary and Martha from the Bible (Luke 10 & John 11). If you know the story then you also immediately identify with one or the other. Each woman loved Jesus in her own way. Each woman was transformed by the experience.
Here is a quiz for you to ‘just check’ to see if you are more of a Mary or a Martha. I hope it shows you that there is a little of both inside. Read the pairs across and check the one you most identify with in that line, Mary or Martha.
| Mary writes poetry | Martha writes to-do lists |
| Mary paints canvases | Martha paints the walls |
| Mary sings in the rain | Martha sings in the choir |
| Mary likes chocolate | Martha likes cheesecake |
| Mary wears jeans | Martha wears heels |
| Mary goes to amusement parks | Martha goes to museums |
| Mary drives a convertible | Martha drives a mini-van |
| Mary throws a fiesta | Martha throws a tea party |
| Mary dyes her hair fun colors | Martha dyes hers to cover the gray |
| Mary loves tiger lilies | Martha loves daisies |
Did you see that you really do possess qualities of each woman? What I love about the story of Mary and Martha is that Jesus did not ask them to change their personalities so they could serve Him. However, He did change them.
Joanna Weaver in her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World says, “Two completely different women undergo a transformation right before our eyes: a holy makeover. The bold one becomes meek, the mild one courageous. For it is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed.” That is the real heart of the matter.
In my own book, CLARIFY, I chose to profile Martha. She is the woman I most identify with because her transformation included bringing Jesus into every part of her life. She learns when she needs to take time to be with Him and when she needs to get up and start moving.
Martha is a great example of how God wants us to approach our work. Everything she did was to please Jesus (even in her fussing). As she grew in relationship with Jesus she learned to please Him by pulling her attention away from ‘work first’ to ‘Him first’. That’s the lesson.
Are you meeting daily with the Boss to check in and get the plan? Are you taking longer meeting days to have strategic meetings with Him? Are you learning what it means to connect Faith & Business so you glorify God in your work?
I want to invite you to the Clarity Leadership Conference. It is for women ministry and business leaders. Sign up today (early bird special going on) and get CLARITY by Re-focusing on Who you are serving; Re-energizing your Own body, and Re-connecting to the ONE whose passion is in your soul to do the work you are doing. Take time to learn to be like Mary and Martha.
Be filled to overflowing,
Deneen