Sitting at Christ’s Feet: Mary’s Practical Example for Spiritual Growth

By Liz Lockwood

I am going to be honest with you: I used to have a negative perception of Mary after reading Luke 10:38–42. Reading this passage always left me with a picture of Mary . . . well, doing nothing at all. I know that is horrible. After all, who am I to criticize the woman who shared such close fellowship with Christ?

Mary and Martha were making preparations for a meal with Christ. But actually, it seems Martha was doing most of the preparing. Mary was, after all, just hanging out while Martha did all the work, right? Perhaps it is because I so easily relate to Martha that I tend to give Mary a hard time. I am a doer, a master taskmaster, and am most happy when everything in life goes according to "the plan." So I understand Martha’s frustration. She was working hard on the meal and marking all the items off the proverbial to-do list while Mary just sat and enjoyed fellowship. That’s not fair.

Away from the crowds and noise, Mary learned from Christ with the same ease I enjoy when close friends come inside the walls of my own home. However, while Martha may have prepared the meal, it was Mary who chose "the good portion" (v. 42 NASB) In fact, Scripture tells us that Martha was "distracted with much serving" (v. 39). So, service in itself can be a distraction from fellowship with the Lord; that’s a tough pill for someone like me to swallow.

The first lesson we can learn from Mary’s example is that we should allow others entrance into our home and life, for the purpose of fellowship. As Christian women, we should strive to create a home and personal environment in which those around us feel welcome. In doing so, we reflect the same hospitality that Christ chose to enjoy that day, with Mary at His feet. We are hospitable with our homes when we create a space that is welcoming. That doesn’t mean that everything has to be in perfect order; it has more to do with a spirit of welcome being behind the open door. In turn, we open ourselves to conversation, fellowship, and vulnerability by providing the opportunity for those who enter to be part of our lives, and for us to benefit from their lives as well.

Secondly, we should take every opportunity possible to grow in wisdom. Mary chose what was "better" because she prioritized her time according to what was most important—fellowship with Christ. We are unable to adequately be an example of faith to those around us if we neglect our daily fellowship with Christ and growth in wisdom. Time in the Word and prayer are critical to our spiritual growth.

Finally, we should be honest with the Lord concerning our frustrations. This might seem like a trivial point to make; shouldn’t we already know that we could take anything to the Lord in prayer? I have known that since I was a little girl. Why is it, then, that I so often sugarcoat my prayers in an effort to sound more holy than I feel?

The Lord knows our thoughts before we speak and our troubles before they ever enter our lives. While we are undoubtedly called to be reverent, that does not mean that we must sacrifice honesty in an effort to appear righteous. He desires to hear us, comfort us, and guide us in His truth. Martha’s expression of frustration in this passage is a reminder of the openness that is provided to us through Christ. Mary’s expression of worship is a reminder that we cannot neglect fellowship with the Lord— even if it does come at the expense of the to-do list.

I imagine that my past frustration with Mary stemmed from pride, as I recognized that she could please the Lord by simply sitting. Reflecting on Christ’s endorsement of Mary’s devotion causes me to re-examine my priorities and ensure that I am doing what is "good"—even if it appears to be nothing at all.

Liz Lockwood, MDiv, ThM, resides in Charleston, South Carolina, where she thoroughly enjoys outdoor activities. Dark chocolate, coffee, movies, and late night conversations also top her list of interests.