Living Out JusticeSample

The tension of being and doing

‘“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”’ (Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

Reflect:

This story of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha highlights the tension between being and doing. Martha, consumed by service, had lost sight of its purpose, while Mary chose the stillness of sitting at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus' pointing to the better thing raises questions about our priorities as Christians. What good is our service without a heart of worship? How effective is our mission if we are not, first and foremost, disciples?

Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, wrote that: ‘[God] wants us just to be and to do. He wants us to be like His Son and then do as His Son did; and when we come to that He will shake the world through us!’

It is not that ‘doing’ is bad – or even worse than ‘being’ – but we must be aware of its order and place in our spiritual lives. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, we read of a similar tension as the apostle Paul writes that even the most radical and costly acts of service are worth nothing if they are void of love.

Likewise, our good deeds are only meaningful if they flow from time spent with Jesus. Martha’s actions were good, but Mary chose what was better in that moment – deepening her relationship with Jesus. Discipleship balances service with presence, and focusing on the eternal brings clarity and peace, transforming our work into our worship.

Daily Action:

This story prompts us to ask: ‘Why am I doing what I am doing?’

Pick out a specific way you regularly serve others – whether it is caring for elderly relatives, mentoring a young person, doing hospital visitations or picking up supplies for those who cannot get to the shops. Spend some time reflecting on your motivation for doing it. Take your time and, like Mary, sit at the feet of Jesus. If you need to, ask him to bring order to your service or to realign your focus. The next time you carry out this activity, take notice of how you feel. Has your perspective changed?

The story also reminds us to connect with others. Ask a friend to share what they receive from time spent with Jesus. Be open to learning from one another. How do you prioritise this time? What do you learn about Jesus? How does it make a difference in the way you use your time? Has it changed how you connect with people? Do you feel the tension between ‘being’ and ‘doing’? Do you need to start putting your insights into action?

Prayer:

Lord, quiet my anxious mind and remind me to sit awhile at your feet. Here, in your presence, may I find the peace, the focus and the clarity that my spirit craves.

Inhale: Lord, calm my restless heart and stop my busy hands.

Exhale: Help me to choose the better thing.