Be Blessed, Not Stressed

There is a tale of two sisters in scripture. One was running ragged, for she felt the pressure to prepare and perform. This state of mind gave her stress. The other sat at the feet of Jesus and was blessed.

What about you this holiday season? Are you feeling stressed or blessed? I am learning to be blessed and let go of stress. Easier to say than do - I know. Let's unpack this story in Luke. For me, it is a game changer!

"Now, as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 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.” Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

I can quickly jump into an attitude of having to get things accomplished. I often feel that it will not get done if I do not do the task list,. I believe Martha could relate. However, the problem was not that Martha was serving. There are many scriptures that call us to serve aonther. The issue was the attiutde while serving. I see three warning signs within Martha's heart and attuitude that spill into a stressful attitude.

Three Warning Signs:

1. Complaining

In verse 40, Martha complains, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?" She is asking, “Lord, don’t you care?”

"Lord, do you see what is happening right now?" I am working myself to death -And no one cares - No one is even aware - No one is helping. Friend, you might be a modern-day Martha if you spend this Holiday season complaining about all that has to be done.

Friend, you might be a modern day Martha if you spend this Holiday season complaining.

Not only did Martha Complain, but she was

2. Comparing

Martha was comparing her situation to her younger sisters. Martha was serving. Mary was sitting. She seems resentful. She was comparing her life to her sisters, and she felt like she was getting the wrong end of the stick. Verse 40 reads, “My sister has left me with all the work to do.”

Ladies, do you ever look at another woman with a measuring stick? Do you possess the same "jealous eye" wishing to look like someone else or have what another person owns? Do you compare your Christmas task list to someone else's? Do you compare your Christmas to Hers?

Your Gifts - Her Gifts

Your House and Decorations - Her House and Decorations

No matter the year, place, or space, the comparison game has no winners. It leaves all who play its evil tactics feeling less than and lacking. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the theft of all joy.”

You Might be a Modern Day Martha if you are playing the comparison game this Holiday Season.

Martha was also

3. Commanding

Interestingly, she calls Jesus Lord and then tells Jesus to command Mary to help her. Reread verse 40 - Lord, “Tell her to help me! She is telling Jesus what to do!!!!! Martha was complaining, Martha was comparing, and Martha was commanding.

Do you start barking commands when things get cray cray in your life?

You might be a Modern day Martha if you are commanding this Holiday Season.

But Mary . . .

"Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

But Mary chose a better thing. Mary was consumed with the presence of her Lord. Her love for Jesus was so great she paused and sat with her Lord. She was blessed because she had a posture of peace.

It is interesting to me that Mary is mentioned three times in Scripture, and all three times, you find her at the feet of Christ.

First, you find her sitting at his feet and listening. Luke 10:39 ” Mary, Who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His words.”

Second, she fell at his feet during Lazarus’ death (John 11:32): “Then, Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Third, she poured out her worship on Jesus's feet during holy week. (John 12)

Friend, God invites us to come to Him; "Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give your rest." Matthew 11:28 - Just Come.

So, what does this mean to us during this season of Christmas? I suggest we pull away as best as possible to spend time with our Jesus. Have an attitude of worship. Jesus wants to meet with you. I believe Jesus is inviting us.

I hear Him calling us by name saying; "Why don’t you take off your apron and sit down for a few minutes? Other things can wait. I want to share something very dear to my heart with you…you personally. Do you have some time for Me now?" I'm in, how about you?

Merry Christmas, friend! Be Blessed, Not Stressed this Christmas season!