“Martha, Martha!” Christ’s lesson on listening.
"Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.’ "
– Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Many women sympathize with Martha. She opened her door to Jesus and His disciples. She whipped up a meal and waited on her guests. Mary sat at our Lord’s feet and listened to every word.
The disciples may have talked about travels, fishing, or the weather as they enjoyed Martha’s meal. More likely, however, Christ’s authority and the power of His words commanded their attention. This was often the case whether Christ was at home, in the Temple, in a boat, at a wedding, or on a hillside. He still speaks to us through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit. When Christ speaks, listening is always the first priority.
What does it mean to be a godly woman?
Good qualities in a woman stem from the greatest commandment, which is love (Matthew 22:36-40). God-fearing women of faith in the Bible remind us that a godly woman is:
1. Prayerful
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
– Acts 1:14 NIV
Prayer puts God where He belongs in your life: first. It’s the foundation for a close, strong and eternal relationship. It keeps thoughts, desires, and actions rooted in God’s will. If you trust Him, He’ll guide you in ways exclusive to your calling in life.
2. Virtuous
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
– Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
When you walk in the Spirit, God directs your steps. The Spirit helps you to strengthen virtues and tame vices. God’s word reminds you to witness and share Christ’s love. Your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers need that. It might be an uplifting word, a helping hand, slowness to judge, or refusal to gossip. Small acts that were done in love matter.
3. Industrious
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
– Proverbs 31:26-27 NIV
Today, idleness can look like binge-watching dramas, following “Reality” TV, bragging on social media, or texting while ignoring people in front of you.
You may scan social media news feeds or click on viral memes, celebrity updates, and virtue-signaling podcasts. You might envy old friends who have more fans, friends, or superficially “perfect” lives than you.
With so many stars, bells and whistles, you might overlook real relationships, responsibilities, and constructive actions. Rationing digital connectivity can help you tend to more important and fruitful priorities.
