4^th March 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: SERVING WITHOUT RIVALRY

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one” (Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. As Christians, what is the one thing that is important?

A dear soul given to hospitality and organization. More frugal than frivolous, more practical than pensive. Ask her to choose between a book and a broom, and she’ll take the broom. This is Martha, Lazarus's sister.

Martha was busy trying to serve Jesus while her sister Mary sat at the feet of Wisdom, soaking Him who is from above. Martha occupied herself with serving the Master, that the service became more important than her Lord.

Martha was not only worried that her sister, Mary, wasn't helping her serve the Master. She was also not happy because no one was correcting Mary. Eventually, Martha went to the Master to tell Him to instruct Mary to help her.

If you worry so much, you easily forget who is in charge. Jesus reminded Martha that it is unnecessary to be worried and troubled about so many things. Only one thing is needful (Luke 10:41-42).

Like Martha, we often confuse busyness for devotion. Service that begins as worship can morph into a contest of comparison, where tasks eclipse the Savior. “The greatest enemy of love for God is service for God,” warned theologian Søren Kierkegaard. When our labor becomes about proving our worth or outshining others, we trade intimacy for insecurity.  

C.S. Lewis pointed out that “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Also,  Mother Teresa asserted that “If you are truly humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”  

Beloved, we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”

Precious one, what must we do if we are going to serve God with a sacred focus? Making sure that we are not worried and troubled by many things in our service to Him.

First, we must audit our motives. Beloved, it is easy to forget that you're serving the Lord and rather be more concerned about your honor. Before serving, pray, “Lord, purify my heart. Let this act honor You, not me.”

Further, we must balance action with adoration. Many of us easily forget that we can only serve Him with His resources. Thus, we have the power to serve only when we have been empowered by Him. We must receive to enable us to serve under His feet. Spending time alone with Him must precede your time serving before Him. Make time to pray or listen to Him as you make time to serve Him.

Lastly, we must learn to celebrate others’ gifts: It is not wrong to compliment what God is doing in others and through others.

Compliment a fellow servant today: “I see Christ in how you _[specific act: sing, evangelize, help others, etc.]_.”

Precious one, the world measures worth by productivity; God measures it by proximity. “Choose what is better” (Luke 10:42). Serve not to be seen, but to see Him. In the economy of heaven, a quiet heart outweighs a noisy resume.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Luke 10:38-42

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. In which way have you been serving God?

2. What would you say is your motivation for serving God?

PRAYER

Jesus, forgive me for serving my ego instead of Your glory. Unshackle me from the rivalry’s lie that my value depends on my output. Give me Mary’s courage to sit at Your feet and Martha’s hands to work—but only ever for Your smile, in Jesus's precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Luke 18; Leviticus 26; Psalm 63