Burned Up, Burned Out, or Shining Brightly?

Martha and Mary were sisters who ran a biblical "bed and breakfast" in Bethany.  Jesus often lodged there when He came through town.  Martha managed all the household tasks--including cooking, whereas Mary served as hostess and was in charge of hospitality.

Martha was a "Type A" and Mary a "Type B" personality.  Martha wanted everything to be just "perfect!"  Therefore, she almost "burned herself out" getting ready for her guest!  Mary, on the other hand, invested her time and energy listening to what her guest had to share.  After all--He was the guest of honor!  This "burned up" Martha!  She got angry at her sister, but Jesus told her to "chill out"....she was suffering from fatigue and anxiety.  Martha was running out of "oil in her lamp" and her wick needed "trimming!"  [See:  Matthew 25:1-13]

People, we need to learn from both sisters!  We need to SERVE the Lord, but we also need to SIT at His feet and learn from Him.  Too many Christians get "burned out" by doing...doing...doing, but never taking time to BE with Him (in the Word and prayer)!  And other Christians just sit back and take it all in--learning...learning...learning, but never doing!

We're to be DOERS of the Word--not HEARERS only!  [James 1:22]  We need to let our lights SHINE BRIGHTLY in our homes and in our communities.

Remember the little childrens' song:  "This little LIGHT of mine--I'm gonna let it SHINE!"  Try doing that today and you'll bless others and be a blessing to the Lord.