The Martha Complex: Choosing Time with the Lord First
- meetgodattheedgeof
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Psalms 119:12-16
[12] I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. [13] I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. [14] I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. [15] I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. [16] I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
I feel called to admit another embarrassing mistake. Thankfully, years ago, the Lord opened my eyes, and I no longer walk down that path.
I used to prioritize my work in the church over my time with the Lord. I know at first that sounds pretty harmless, but stay with me here because this is actually a very serious fault. I believe there are a lot of people who fall into this category, and at the root of it is sin.
This can look like working at church, ministering to people, leading groups, or even serving as a pastor. We sometimes love these things because they offer instant validation of our work. The praise and "thank yous" become what we look forward to and begin to seek. This is what many call the Martha complex: prioritizing work and service over sitting at the feet of our Lord. The praise from the church community provides instant gratification, while time with the Lord is a lifelong act of self-discipline.
This is what He wants from you first. Obviously, works done at the direction of the Lord are not the issue. As always, the issue lies in our hearts and in our motives.
The moment it truly hit home for me was when a brother told me that God deserves my prime time. I quickly examined my routine and realized that I am a morning person. My best time, when I am most focused, least distracted, and my mind is functioning at its best, is early in the day. By the grace of God, I have had my time with the Lord almost every morning since.
The problem was that I had begun measuring my significance by my work in the church instead of finding it in God. We need to make our quiet time, our time at the Lord's feet, the number one priority in our lives. Everything else grows from this place of submission and surrender. Anything done outside of that can easily become rooted in self-gratification.
How can we possibly be effective if we are missing out on what we are trying to usher others into? If we want others to have a personal relationship with the Lord, then we must lead by example.
I pray that my example of what not to do, along with the grace and incredible gift of God opening my eyes to put Him first and study His Word, will cause each of us to take an honest inward look.
Our time with the Lord is for our good. It is a gift from God.
Thank You, Father, for one more day. Amen.
Luke 10:40-42
[40] But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” [41] But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! [42] There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
