Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.Martha was saying of Mary that she needed to get up off of her bottom and get in the kitchen and help! Martha was making a comparison based on the values in her heart. She may have even reached a point of criticism with her sister. "Who does she think she is?"
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?"
(Luke 10:38)
But before you begin to look down on her, check your own heart and actions. Have you ever said in your heart, "Well, now I'm a leader. I can't possibly be troubled with cleaning up after the fellowship." Or, "I have received a revelation from God, I am above waiting on tables"?
We criticize to make ourselves look better when all along we know we should be in the same place. It is so easy to criticize. Again, the root of the action is competitiveness and jealousy. It is important to note how Jesus puts things in perspective on one occasion.
Martha was upset because Mary had left her to do all the work. Martha thought the most important thing at the moment was to get things cleaned up. Jesus' response was much different.
In contrast to Martha's complaints, Jesus probably shook his head, thinking that she just had not gotten it yet. With masterful tact, the Savior replies, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things" (Luke 10:41).
Stress and busy activity are two sure signs that competitive jealousy is involved. Jesus pointed out to Martha what was necessary. "One thing is needful..." He told her (Luke 10:41).
Christ paints a vivid picture with this word "needful." In the natural, we all have certain physiological needs. There are things that one must have to sustain life. Jesus was using this example from everyday life to describe spiritual needs.
Just as there are things that are needful to sustain physical life, there are certain things that are needful to sustain spiritual life. Jesus says, THE WORD IS NEEDFUL.
If you will find yourself involved in that which is needful, rather than finding yourself involved in comparison and competitive jealousy, that which is needful will guard your heart and your mind and keep you in a position of obedience to God.
Comparing myself to the Word of God produces positive change in me. When I get into the Word, I must continue to adjust my attitudes and actions to remain obedient.
I recognize that comparing myself to the Word of God is a continuous thing. I know that I am not going to be like Jesus until I see Him, but when I see Him I know that I am going to be just like Him.
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Creflo Dollar is a founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI). He's a world-renowned Bible teacher, sought-after conference speaker, and bestselling author with hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs in distribution worldwide. Recognized for his cutting-edge revelation and humorous, pragmatic approach, he enables thousands to experience grace, restoration, healing, and financial breakthrough by applying simple, biblical principles to their lives. He is the author of such game-changing books as "The Radical Life of Grace" and "Why I Hate Religion", and his award-winning Changing Your World television broadcast reaches nearly 1 billion homes. His ministry includes an app available on mobile devices and smart TV's, a dedicated YouTube channel, and the Changing Your World Network, a 24-hour online channel. A thriving social media presence has allowed him to connect with World Changers worldwide.
