Now don’t get too worried.  Hopefully you’ll read past the heading.  It got your attention didn’t it?  That’s all I wanted.  

Here’s the story of Martha:

“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

http://bible.com/59/luk.10.38-42.esv

In the biblical account above?  I’m Martha.  My “spiritual gift” is serving.  I’m the doer not the talker.  I’m the guy who moves chairs; sweeps floors; cleans the kitchen; throws away the trash; etc. 

If I’m not careful that consumes me.  I come home and I’m only focused on tasks.  What needs to be done.  What isn’t done because I’m behind.  What am I doing tomorrow.  What am I doing the rest of the week, etc. 

What’s wrong with that?  It becomes how I value who I am.  Instead of walking with Christ I’m working for Christ.  It can become more about legalism and less about relationship.  My family can be neglected.  My walk with God can be neglected.  My relationship with other Christians can be neglected.  Because I’m focused on the next thing I have to do. 

What’s the remedy?  Proper balance.  The work is necessary.  The serving is necessary.  But there must be worship.  There must be prayer time.  There must be a time of Bible Study.   

Where do you stand?  Do you focus primarily on tasks in the Christian life?  Do you believe that shows how “strong of a Christian” you are?  

Do you focus primarily on worship?  Do you believe that shows how “strong of a Christian” you are?  I’m in the first category, but neither one is true. The Bible clearly says “by your fruits you shall know them.” 

“Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/mat.7.20.esv

I don’t know about you.  I can only speak for myself but I have a LONG way to go in that category.  I’m not the servant I should be and I’m not the worshipper I should be. As the children’s church song goes; “He’s Still Working On Me.”