"Mary's Mindset"

We attended Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, yesterday. I (Steve) always enjoy attending other churches when we get the opportunity - it's great to get fresh perspectives on worship, and a large, contemporary-style, non-denominational church such as Grace Chapel certainly offers many varied ways to encourage one's growth in their relationship with Christ.

The sermon message, "The Restless Ones", (which I subtitled, "Choosing A Mary Mindset in a Martha World"), was delivered by the Sr. Pastor, Bryan Wilkerson, and it really struck a chord with me, even though, strangely enough, it focused on two women - sisters, in fact - Mary & Martha. The sermon text was mainly from Deut. 5:12-15 and Hebrews 4:9-11.

Wilkerson outlined the differences between these sisters in the way they approached and interacted with Jesus. He argued that if we have a "mindset" like Mary, God can accomplish more in our lives than if we have a "method" like Martha. A lot of us would definitely fall into the modern-day Martha category, myself absolutely included! We focus so heavily on the "doing", on our list of activities, on all the distractions of our daily lives...that we are simply, TIRED! We are worn out, we get less than 6 hours sleep each night, we miss meals, we're not disciplined with reading Scripture and prayer time, and we need plenty of background noise in order to "concentrate"...HA!! And don't forget multi-tasking...that is an essential quality that ALL followers of Christ must possess! Hogwash! That's what the world wants us to think - but, instead, let's consider how having "Mary's Mindset" might actually draw us nearer to God:

Mary felt free to love Christ by enjoying Him, by delighting in His presence and being still. She focused more on Him, and less on herself. She put down her cell phone, her iPod, her laptop, and turned off the HDTV just so she could focus her attention on what was really important, Christ the Messiah! That is quite an example! How do I follow that lead? I am so wrapped up in all of this technology and stuff that is supposed to make my life simpler, yet somehow I get drained and tired so quickly and so often. "When we rest from our work, God is able (and free) to do His (work)..."

Therefore, here is what Wilkerson suggests we do to become more like Mary:

1. Take a nap
2. Practice falling still
3. Enjoy a daily quiet time
4. Guard your Sabbath
5. Vacation on purpose (with God)

I pray that WE can do just that!