“The Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her'” (Luke 10:41-42 GNT).

I hear Jesus speak my name in that same familiar tone: “Jaclyn, Jaclyn! You’ve chosen to toil again. Come back to me.” How often must this reminder echo in my heart? Too often, I fear. Like Martha, I possess a deep-seated desire to serve, to exceed expectations, and to ignite inspiration in others. While these moments can feel exhilarating, they often leave me drained and weary. Jesus’ gentle critique of Martha wasn’t about her act of service itself, but rather the unsettled posture of her heart. Scripture reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver,” yet Martha’s actions in that moment were anything but cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV). If you recall the familiar story of Martha and Mary of Bethany in Luke 10:38-42, Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet,” absorbing his presence, while Martha, burdened by the demands of hospitality, grew resentful and implored the Lord to enlist Mary’s help. Jesus’ response was clear: “one thing” is truly needed, and Martha’s frantic activity wasn’t it — or, in my case, Jaclyn’s. [Insert your name here if this resonates!]

Learning to serve with the right heart — a posture of abiding — has proven to be a continuous challenge; a lifelong lesson, I believe. In John 15:5 (ESV), Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The Greek word for “abide” can also be translated to “remain,” “lodge,” or “dwell.” Nowhere in the Gospels does Jesus instruct us to relentlessly work to earn his favor. Yet, for much of my life, I have operated under the false premise that hard work equates to love, that performance and striving make me worthy. Instead, Jesus’ message is one of profound dependence. He warmly invites each of us to make our home with him. Hear his loving invitation in verse 9: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

Recently, I had the privilege of co-teaching a group of church pastors and leaders — an invitation extended by a mentor who has graciously guided my development as a teacher. To say I felt overwhelmed would be an understatement. However, I consciously approached this experience by actively practicing abiding, remaining connected to the Vine. I deliberately pressed into this by acknowledging my limitations, asking for His wisdom throughout my preparation and presentation, and having a mindset of enjoying the process by doing it with Him, not in my own strength. Past similar endeavors would have left me utterly depleted, but this time, I emerged feeling satisfied and genuinely delighted in the opportunity to learn and grow.

Thankfully, Martha’s story doesn’t conclude with Jesus’ initial gentle correction. Her journey continues in the Gospel of John, chapters 11 and 12. In John 12:1-3, we witness Martha serving with a transformed heart. This time, she uses her gifts willingly, without complaint, as she prepares dinner for Jesus, her resurrected brother Lazarus, and the disciples. Mary, in her own way, also serves beautifully, anointing Jesus with precious perfume. Their expressions of service are distinctly different, yet there is harmony and peace as they move together in worship of Christ within their home — each with a heart focused on the one thing that truly matters.

Jaclyn Gilbert is a student at Northeastern Seminary and the Program Manager at Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity. She is actively involved in her local faith community at City Alliance Church and contributes significantly to the Restorative Retreats team. For speaking or teaching engagements, she can be reached on Facebook or Instagram @madetoshine.jaclyn.