THE GOSPEL: Work with the Right Motivation!

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:38-39)
 
As was the custom back then, as men of God traveled, people would offer them temporary residence in their homes.  Lot did this for the angels of God. (Genesis 19) Rahab the harlot did this for the spies of the children of Israel when they came to Canaan. (Joshua 2) And there are many more examples.  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40) We must understand that Jesus traveled with an entourage, most of the twelve disciples and several other followers.  We don't know how many, but more that just Jesus stayed at the house.   Quite naturally there would be a lot of preparation and things to do if a person wanted to be a good host.  How frustrating for Martha to be doing all this work and her sister to just be sitting down at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word.
 
How does Jesus respond to her request, "Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus  answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Not the response Martha was expecting, but a lesson we all need to learn.  Whatever we do, we are to do what we are called to do and not expect others to do what we ourselves are committed to doing.  Just because something may be a good thing to do doesn't necessarily mean that everyone should be doing it.  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
 
We must have the right motivation behind everything we do. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7) Serving God and others is a very good thing to do.  Jesus is not saying Martha is wrong for doing so.  But the most important thing any of us can do is sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His word. One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4) Once we receive His teaching and instruction, then we can follow His directing, ...doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord,... (Ephesians 6:7-8)