When Service Becomes Burden
Scripture: “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.'” (Luke 10.40, ESV)
Martha’s service had transformed from joy to burden. What began as love in action had become a source of frustration and resentment. She felt alone, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. Anyone who has carried more than their share of responsibility – whether in farm work, church volunteer activities, or family caregiving – can relate to Martha’s feelings.
The Greek word describing Martha’s state suggests being “pulled in different directions.” She was scattered, anxious, and focused on everything except what mattered most. Her serving had become performance rather than worship, duty rather than delight.
Martha’s complaint reveals a deeper issue: she believed her worth was tied to her productivity. When Mary didn’t help, Martha felt not only overworked but also undervalued. This is a common trap – we begin to measure our spiritual health by our activity level rather than our relationship with Christ.
Notice that Martha didn’t just complain to her sister; she brought her grievance to Jesus. This shows wisdom – when we feel overwhelmed, Christ is the right place to bring our concerns. However, Martha was about to discover that Jesus’ response would be different from what she expected.
Application: Reflect on your current responsibilities. Are any of them driven by anxiety rather than love? When you feel overwhelmed, do you bring your concerns to Jesus, or do you simply work harder? Consider how you can serve from rest rather than stress.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you see when we feel overwhelmed and alone in our service. Help us to remember that our worth isn’t measured by our productivity, but by your love for us. Give us wisdom to know when to work and when to rest. Amen.
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