Good Enough

“What happened to those table cloths I set out to be ironed? I don’t see them anyplace.” Martha was scurrying around the house, fussing over every detail. The food was too salty, and the furniture had not been arranged correctly. Every corner examined for dirt, and the house polished until it shined. Over and over, she checked and double-checked every detail. She thought about everything, and nothing was left to chance. Everything had to be perfect. Jesus was coming to visit.  

 

Through the years, I have thought a lot about the stories of Mary and Martha in the Bible. Poor Martha, who was worried about so many things, just couldn’t relax.  She wanted everything to be perfect for Jesus. The problem was, she couldn’t do it. No matter how much she cleaned, or fretted over everything, it would never be enough.

 

I find myself in the story of Martha. I always feel as if I could do more and try harder. I sometimes forget that no matter how much I do, it will never be sufficient. You see, we can’t become good enough to be accepted by God, we can’t do enough to be filled with the Holy Spirit, take communion, be loved by God, or even be used by God. There is no “good enough “measure. Jesus loves us just the way we are. 

 

Today, you may be feeling like you don’t measure up. Irritation and uneasiness surrounding you like a vice, squeezing the life out of you, has made you irritable and dissatisfied with life. Then the devil begins to accuse you, questioning your relationship with God. “See,” he says. “How can you say you’re a Christian? You certainly don’t act like one.”  

 

Scurrying around like Martha, we try and try to make things right and yet try as we may, it’s not enough. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and imagine Jesus sitting next to you. Imagine all the little piles of dirt in the corners of your heart and then realize that when Jesus comes, the dirt just vanishes. He cleans us up just by His presence. You’ll never be good enough on your own no matter how hard you try.  

 

So the next time the devil accuses you and tries to make you fret about not being good enough, tell him, “Jesus loves me just the way I am, and He makes everything in me right.”

 

Luke 10:38-42 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.”