Gifts and Talents!

For Tuesday, May 13, 2025:

Luke 10:42 NLT, Jesus, speaking to Martha: “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Some people get Mary and Martha mixed up. Which is which? I was taught to think of Martha Stewart, in the kitchen, doing cooking demonstrations on TV. That’s Martha. Mary (same name as Jesus’ mother) is the one listening at Jesus’ feet.

The question arose as to which woman was doing the right thing. Probably both! Martha was called to be the consummate hostess, providing for the disciples’ daily needs. Mary was enamored with Jesus’ knowledge and teaching skills. She didn’t want to miss a thing! To her, there was nothing better than hearing Jesus speak!

In the end, Jesus didn’t change a thing. He didn’t command Mary to help out in the kitchen; and he didn’t command Martha to abandon the kitchen and listen to his message. Even though we encounter Martha and Mary in the same scenario, we need to remember that they are each uniquely created with distinct skills and different interests. Jesus knew when to leave well enough alone!

Have you identified your gifts and talents? Like Martha and Mary, some of us have the gift of hospitality while others shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near a kitchen! There are a multitude of tasks that need doing in a Christian community. Surely there’s a need where you could best serve. Find something that’s a good fit for you.

Pastor Rick Warren says that a non-serving Christian is a contradiction!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship