Devotions with Nell Ritchey

“…Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things.” Luke 10:41

I am a Martha. A task-oriented person. “Get ‘er done; get ‘er done right; get ‘er done right now.” That’s my motto. And that’s a problem for me, spiritually. Because “getting ‘er done” isn’t necessarily the Jesus way. In fact, it’s kind of the Pharisees’ way. Works righteousness would tell me that my value to Jesus lies in those things I do for Him, and for others in His name. But Jesus tells me to come sit at his feet. Listen to his teachings. Not be “…distracted with much serving.”

So does this mean that Jesus doesn’t like me the way I am? I don’t think so, and I hope not! When I was about 10, I was playing softball and reacted inappropriately when someone tagged me – a little harder than necessary! As I looked over at the sidelines, I saw my coach’s face register disapproval. Right next to him stood my father, trying hard not to laugh. I remember thinking, “He likes me! He likes me just the way I am!” He would never co-sign my bad behavior, but it didn’t reduce his love for me.

I have come to understand that serving is my love language. I am happiest doing. And I believe that, just like my daddy, Jesus loves me the way I am. The message for me is to recognize that my relationship with Him doesn’t require that I be doing. It requires that I sit at His feet and learn from Him. Whatever my personality!
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In Christ,
Nell Ritchey