When the Problem is not the Problem

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things.” — Luke 10:41

In this story, Martha came to Jesus with what she thought was her problem: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?” At that moment, she really thought her sister’s laziness was the problem. Jesus, knowing her heart, stated the real problem; “You are worried and upset about many things.”

When the word “worry” is seen in the original language of the Bible, it denotes that a person’s heart is divided. A Christian should not have a divided heart. I cannot say that I really believe that “all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28) and then constantly be concerned with what might happen. Truth be known, if I love God, then whatever happens is supposed to happen and it works together for my own good.

This past Sunday we had communion at our church. I do my best to examine my own heart, and then preach in a way that makes others examine theirs. When we get really brutally honest with ourselves, it is crazy the things that we find in our hearts that simply have to go. Jesus basically told Martha that what she thought was the problem, was not the problem. She wasn’t simply worried that stuff wouldn’t get done. She was worried about “many things.” This is going to change my whole perspective every time I get upset and start pointing my finger at others. I must pause and ask, “What is the real reason?”

In further examining why I went off on the kid last week, I realize that his attitude was certainly not the problem. If it was, then my problem will never go away because dealing with attitude is pretty much what I do for a living. The real problem was my pride. The whole incident took place publically. I felt like I had to win, so I made sure I won. In doing so, I realize now that what I said was the problem, was not the problem at all. I might have looked at him and said he was the problem, but I was the real problem. I just had to come out on top looking good. I ended up looking pretty ridiculous.

Today, I don’t want a divided heart worried about many things. I have found that it is so difficult for me to keep a constant connection with God and awareness of His ways. I can do it when I’m taking a walk, taking a drive, typing my WMD’s, teaching God’s Word, studying God’s Word, and when I’m all alone in the quiet of my home before everyone wakes up. It’s not that I’m necessarily praying, but I just have this constant feeling of being connected to God. Unfortunately, I get busy with many things and stop just simply abiding in Him. There must be a way to stay connected to Him while I’m getting the necessary things in my life done. I’m thinking Martha could have totally done her work and kept that connection. I guess even all those years ago, it was still easier to blame others as the source your problems.

I’m thinking that Martha eventually figured all this out.

I will too.

Later

Adam