Are Men More Like Martha?
In Luke 10 of the New Testament, there is this account to two women interacting with Jesus. Martha was busy about making sure the house was all in order and things were prepared for having Jesus over as a guest. Her sister Mary just sat out with Jesus, listening to him. This upset Martha some and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help, but instead Jesus said “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her” (vs. 41-42).
As an administrator, executive pastor and detail oriented person, success is often evaluated as whether the event or task was followed. Working hard and paying attention to details are critically important. However, there are other factors that make something a success. What people get out of it doesn’t necessarily hinge on the process. CONTENT matters. Having a CONNECTION to the CONTENT matters. Often times, if there is a strong connection, some of the details are overlooked. People often complain and criticize on the details because they don’t like the content anyways.
The important thing is CREATING a connection WITH PEOPLE to the most important thing. This takes time away from the program and the process to more involvement with people. I think this is often hard for men especially to escape because many of us carry the thinking that work equals success. Although not working does not equal success, we must not miss “the one thing that is necessary.” The PROCESS must also PLAN for PEOPLE.
This passage is often applied to woman because it’s an account of two women, but I believe men are more like Martha than Mary more often than woman. At least I know that it’s hard for me. Isn’t it true for you?
