I don’t know about you but I’m a list maker and I don’t think I could survive the holidays without my enormous super important lists.
Shall we run through a few?
There is the familiar guest list, menu list, recipe list, grocery list, flower/candle list, potluck list, Christmas card list, the must add charcuterie board list, the overwhelming gift list, and house cleaning checklist.
I wonder what Jesus thinks of my lists?
Are they too caught up in worldly pursuits? What if the Spirit generated my lists? What if the key to preparing for family gatherings was a list to create a spiritual atmosphere in my home?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
Let’s take a look at a very familiar dinner party in the Bible and see what Jesus tells us about gathering. It is such a sweet humble reminder of what is important when we gather together.
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said,” Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ESV
Our Martha the hostess couldn’t help but want to serve an extra special meal with Jesus and his disciples in the house! Who could blame her? Scripture tells us while she is hardworking, she is distracted with serving. Her meal was probably so elaborate and time-consuming she had made herself anxious. Her heart was centered on preparing this splendid meal. She disapproved of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet and in a voice full of frustration and anger tells Jesus to tell Mary to help her!
A Tender Voice
But Jesus in His tender voice calls Martha’s name twice and points out that she is too busy. She is worried and fretting about too many things. She is spending a lavish amount of time on a meal. She isn’t spending time with Jesus or her guests. Mary had chosen what is better. She wanted to hear every word Jesus spoke. She wanted to receive all of Christ’s words. Mary honored Christ by being present and listening. Martha wanted to honor Christ with her meal. Jesus said Mary chose better.
Heart to Heart
Jesus loves relationships and heart to heart conversations. Martha’s heart was in the wrong place-pursuing the perfect meal. Where is my heart? What am I pursuing with all my lists? Martha selfishly complained to Jesus that Mary wasn’t helping. What will I be selfishly complaining about when I don’t complete my lists? You see when our hearts are in the wrong place, we can easily be offended, we cause conflicts, quarrels, and hurt feelings within our family and relationships.
Sweet sisters, we need to be like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus.
“But grow in grace, and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” 2 Peter 3:18 says,
Yes, the meals do need to be prepared, the lists made, gifts bought, decorations out. But we don’t need to be so busy that we become anxious and exhausted. Jesus wants our gatherings to be joyful. He wants us to engage.
Hidden Tension
He wants us to spend time with socially awkward Uncle LeRoy. He wants to love on sharp-tongued Aunt Ruthie. He wants us to engage in conversations with family members where tension hides. He wants us to listen to grandpa’s golf story, and grandma’s book club saga. He wants us to have patience as Aunt Agnes rambles on about her health. Jesus wants us to be present, not distracted or anxious. He wants us to celebrate each other as Christ celebrates you!
Ask For More Love
In your quiet time ask for more of Christ’s love, to love as He loves and see as He does. And though we still have to make our worldly lists, let’s focus on a Spiritual list for our homes of love, joy, mercy, peace, and unity.
Verses for Us to Reflect on:
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives…” Colossians 3:16 NLT
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
“So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? What shall we drink? Or “What shall we wear?” For even the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33 NIV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
Verses to hide in our heart when engaging the Uncle LeRoys and Aunt Ruthies in our lives:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”
Philippians 2:5 NIV
Verses for Family tension:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14:7 NIV
Listening to Grandma and Grandpa remember:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
And for Aunt Agnes:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 NIV
May our holiday lists be for God’s glory!
