She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27)
Mmmm, that wicked bread of idleness can indeed be appetizing, can't it? We've all tasted it's fattening flavor. We've all gobbled away our precious time with it's hollow, trivial vanity. And in the end, here we sit with gained weight... still lacking... still hungry. In fact, our appetites have strangely increased. We are lazily reclined in our worldly ways. A chosen sinful pause. But is this where we'll find true rest and comfort? Are we really relaxed as we munch on this bread? Absolutely not!
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “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 away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Then there is the polar opposite of idleness; The Martha vs. Mary debate of busyness. Ahhhh, we also crave this drug-induced high of pride, don't we? Our self-proclaimed importance of always being necessary - and noticed for it. Our impulsiveness to get the job done. To achieve. To seem irreplaceable, unsubstitutable. But is any credit really ours to take? Rather, isn't the devoted woman's role to
"watch over the affairs of her household" best centered around sitting at the Lord's feet and listening to the teachings of our Master? Should we not surrender to Him the burden of independence and full charge? What a testimony our hearts could display if we made Him our priority over all other activity!
Yes, how do we properly watch over what God has given us...
If we are to manage the blessings our King has bestowed,
Then how have we performed?
Distracted?
Overwhelmed?
Untrusting?
Unfocused?
How have we followed through?
Lethargic?
Disinclined?
Selfish?
Entitled?
Unthankful?
Whose glories can we truly claim for ourself? And if not for us... what gives us right to take credit away from our King... the One whom all glory is due? For aren't we to live as servants under the reign of the Most High? Aren't we to resemble His image while wearing His family crest... without becoming fattened impostors of His position and authority?
Indeed.
For we are not called to live haughty and selfish in our own name, but rather humbly under His Name - resting obediently under His sovereign grace.
O Lord, forgive us!
For both idleness and busyness have easily distracted our hearts from faithfully serving Christ.
May we no longer forget to eagerly attend to your household.
May we joyfully watch over what you have entrusted to us.
May we strengthen our bones in your peace and serve you with our willingness...
So that we may rest in your pure satisfaction.
So that we may be still in your completeness.
So that we may know and project your full capacity... your grace... your love... your holiness!
Let our lives be pleasing in your eyes.
Let us produce for your purpose...
Because YOU are our purpose!
Yes, teach us to watch over the affairs of our household, Father. Keep us from wandering in our own wilderness of pomp. And let us lift up Your Name in honor and gratefulness... always in thanksgiving of your eternal, esteemed love! We give you all glory and honor and praise and attention! We bow down in total submission and choose to trust your higher ways. We are your servants. We joyfully surrender it all.
So, please come visit our homes.
Teach us.
Rule every facet of our lives each and every day... THIS DAY!
We are devoted.
We are yours!
