How to Be Mary While Living As Martha: Stewarding our Homes Without Losing Our Hearts- Week 1- The Necessary Thing

Week One — The Necessary Thing

Establishing the Heart of the Home

Scripture: Luke 10:38–42 (CSB)

Most of us don’t struggle to relate to Martha.

We relate to her because life keeps moving. Meals still need to be made. Laundry still piles up. People still need us. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, we’re told to “sit at the feet of Jesus.”

That can feel impossible.

This week isn’t about choosing between being Mary or Martha. It’s about learning how to be a Martha who doesn’t lose her Mary.

When Good Service Becomes Heavy

Martha was doing good things. Important things. Necessary things. Jesus never said her work didn’t matter.

What He addressed was her heart.

Scripture says Martha was distracted and anxious. Her service had started to divide her internally. Instead of serving from love, she was serving from pressure.

We’re not lazy. We’re tired. We’re not careless. We’re overwhelmed. And sometimes we don’t even realize how anxious we’ve become until resentment shows up.

Mary’s Choice Wasn’t Laziness

Mary didn’t sit because she didn’t care. She sat because she knew what mattered most.

Jesus calls it “the one thing necessary.” Not because dishes don’t matter. Not because homes don’t matter. But because nothing else works right when our hearts are unsettled.

What This Means for Our Homes

Our homes reflect our hearts more than our effort.You can have a busy home that feels peaceful. You can also have a productive home that feels heavy.

A sacred space isn’t created by perfection or Pinterest. It’s created when Jesus is welcomed first—not last.

Stewardship Starts Inside

Stewardship is not about control. It’s about alignment.

Before we manage schedules, rooms, or responsibilities, we have to tend to our hearts. Otherwise, our service becomes exhausting instead of worshipful.

A Gentle Question to Sit With

What usually sets the tone in your home right now—peace or pressure?

Sacred Space Practice for This Week

Once a day, pause before you begin a task—any task—and quietly acknowledge the Lord’s presence in your home.

A Simple Prayer

Jesus,

I confess that I often rush past You while trying to do good things.

I carry pressure that You never asked me to carry,

and I serve from anxiety instead of peace.

Help me choose what is necessary.

Teach me to welcome You into the middle of my everyday moments,

not just the quiet ones.

Let my home be shaped by Your presence,

and let my service flow from sitting at Your feet.

Amen