Lord, Don't You Care?

39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me."

(Luke 10:39-40)

As people of faith and followers of Christ, we're supposed to serve one another. Martha was serving by caring for the needs of her guests and the state of her home, ensuring that everyone was made to feel welcome and comfortable. Her sister, Mary, just seemed to sit there doing nothing. It's easy to relate to Martha's frustration as she bustled around the house preparing and serving food, cleaning up behind those who lounged at Jesus' feet while Mary noticed nothing but the sound of Jesus' voice as he taught.

So often we find ourselves frustrated, disappointed, and worn out in the midst of difficulties - sometimes difficulties of our own making - asking, "Lord, don't you care?". We can get caught up in the expectations others have of us, those we have of ourselves, and our expectations of others. We forget that the most important part of service is the heart behind it. It's good to serve out of duty, but better to serve out of love. It's unlikely that Jesus was stating a preference for worship over service - both are essential. More likely, Jesus was placing the emphasis on the condition of the heart. When we serve in love we are less concerned with who joins us and more concerned with giving our best.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7)