Self-Control-Part One

Martha and Mary

38. Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  

39. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.  

40. 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.” 

41. But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  

42. but one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42, ESV

The story of Martha and Mary depicts my life, parts that I desire and others I don't.  It's the good, the bad and the ugly for all us girls.  Let's take a closer look.

To begin, Martha is doing exactly what she should, serve.  The skills of hospitality, cooking and organization are very natural to her.  As women, even if we're not spiritually gifted with it,  we are all inclined to it, serving.  

v40, But Martha was distracted with much serving.  Martha was having a "But Martha" moment.  In "But Me" mode, she got distracted.  But who wouldn't, all the work and preparation required to feed Jesus, to serve him.  I get Martha.  So how did Martha start out so right and end up so wrong?  How did she get so distracted in serving Jesus?

Matthew Henry commentary says, "It does not become the disciples of Christ to take on themselves an excessive burden of waiting on others; what need is there of much serving, when much less will serve?  Whatever cares the providence of God casts on us we must not be distracted with them. Care is good, distraction is sin and folly."  

This month in Titus 2 Women we studied the characteristic self-control, one of the seven virtues of a Titus 2 woman.  Actually self-control at it's core means wise or wisdom.  Martha and Mary are our poster girls for what is out of control and what is self-control.  

Since self-control equals wisdom, then Proverbs is the go to for all things wise.  Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  Proverbs 25:28 says, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."  

Self-control=wise=knowledge of the Holy One=wall of protection.  Remember self-control is the only characteristic that is listed for all groups in Titus 2.  It's the gate keeper for all other virtues.

In The Titus 2 Way, part 2, we'll see how Martha lost control and got distracted, made an interesting request and then Jesus' observation of the situation.  By grace he did not leave her in an out of control state.  Jesus offers Martha a better way.