Salty or sweet, which do you prefer? The bold, salty, kind of gritty flavor or the sweet, creamy taste of sugar? Maybe you’re like me and love them both! Sometimes, I crave the salty and sometimes I want to enjoy the sweet. But, more often than not I like them both at the same time. They are both very different, but both very good!
Recently, I have had conversations with my sisters in Christ that reminded me about my love for salty and sweet together. These conversations with people included comparing themselves to others, possibly wanting and wishing they were more like fill in the blank. This reminded me of two very different sisters, Mary and Martha. You all know their story, Martha worried too much, but Mary chooses the better thing to occupy her time.
Let’s look at them in a little different way by noticing the differences in personalities between these two sisters.
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38-42 NLT
We all know that Martha is busy and distracted, but I think Martha is also a little salty. She’s “in charge” and she’s bold. She doesn’t just stay in the kitchen, pout, and feel sorry for herself. She goes straight up to Jesus and tells Him what to do!! That’s pretty brave, pretty “salty” … Mary is just sitting over there, being all quiet and sweet! They are so very different. Neither is wrong, just different. We are ALL different. God made us different for a reason.
Then there’s another story in John 11: 1-57 about the death of their brother Lazarus. You may know this story, too. Again, look at the differing reactions of Mary and Martha.
“When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”” John 11:20-22 NLT
Seems like Martha is telling Him what to do again. Then, she goes and gets Mary, “When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”” John 11:32 NLT
Once again, Martha’s personality is bold and courageous, while Mary is humble and passive. However, their belief in Jesus, who He is, and what He can do are the same. He created us individually and perfectly. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Your differences are good! Our differences enable us to come together as a Church and as a family to accomplish the tasks that God has assigned to His Church. Sometimes, that requires a sister who’s a little salty, and sometimes, it requires one who is gentle and sweet. Often, it requires the two together.
The sisters both had strengths and weaknesses, just like each of us. The important thing for us to see is that their belief in Jesus, who He is, and what He can do is the same. It’s not about us! We don’t put our trust in our own strengths. We put our trust in Jesus. That’s where our true strength comes from.
Come to Him boldly or come to Him quietly. Stand and speak to Him or fall at His feet. It may not matter how, just come to Him. Come to Him for guidance, for fellowship, and for comfort. Abide in Him, and He will be your true strength!
(Luke 10:38-39, NLT) As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
