From Busy to Blessed: Keeping Christ at the Center of Our Work

by A Mac October 28, 2024

The story of Martha and Mary offers profound lessons for Christian business leaders.

In Luke 10:38-42, we find the story of Martha and Mary—two sisters who welcomed Jesus into their home. While Mary sat at the feet of Christ, Martha became consumed by her tasks. Though she intended to serve well, Martha’s frustration revealed a deeper issue: her work had become more important than her time with Jesus. This brief encounter speaks volumes about priorities, especially for Christians in business.

As business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, we often find ourselves in seasons where busyness seems unavoidable. Deadlines loom, projects pile up, and responsibilities demand our full attention. Yet, just as Jesus lovingly reminded Martha, He reminds us today: it is easy to get caught up in service and miss the importance of sitting at His feet. How can we manage the balance between business excellence and spiritual alignment? This article unpacks valuable lessons from the story of Martha and Mary, offering practical ways to keep Christ at the center of your work.

Lesson 1: Busyness Can Distract Us from What Matters Most

Martha’s desire to serve was not inherently wrong. In fact, her hospitality reflected a heart eager to honor Jesus. However, when service becomes a distraction from time with Christ, even good work can turn into a stumbling block. In business, it’s easy to let performance, success, and results take priority over prayer and reflection.

Practical Application:

Start each workday with quiet time in Scripture and prayer, aligning your heart with God’s will.

Schedule spiritual "check-ins" throughout the day—pause to pray or read a verse to recenter your mind.

Incorporate moments of gratitude into your meetings or business routines, reminding your team that God’s presence is the true source of all success.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Resting in God helps us refocus on what truly matters, even amid deadlines.

Lesson 2: Excellence Comes from Alignment, Not Overexertion

Martha’s frustration arose not only from busyness but from the assumption that everything depended on her. Many Christian entrepreneurs fall into a similar trap: believing that success is entirely dependent on their effort. While hard work is essential, true excellence flows from alignment with Christ.

When our work is rooted in the Spirit, we are empowered to make decisions that reflect God’s wisdom. We move from striving to thriving because our efforts are fueled by faith rather than exhaustion.

Practical Application:

Commit your business plans to God, seeking His guidance before taking action (Proverbs 16:3).

Focus on tasks that align with your God-given mission, letting go of unnecessary burdens.

Lead by faith, not fear—trust that God will multiply your efforts in His perfect timing.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Business excellence is not about doing more but about doing what God has called you to do, with His strength.

Lesson 3: Don’t Let Service Replace Relationship

Martha’s service was valuable, but Jesus reminded her that Mary had chosen the “better part” by sitting at His feet (Luke 10:42). This principle applies to Christian business leaders: our work must never replace our relationship with Christ. It is easy to equate productivity with spiritual growth, but no amount of service can substitute for intimacy with God.

Building a business on Christian principles means recognizing that time with the Lord is not a luxury but a necessity. When we prioritize our relationship with Him, everything else falls into place.

Practical Application:

Set aside time each week for uninterrupted worship and personal prayer, even during busy seasons.

Encourage your team to rest and refuel spiritually by offering devotional times at work.

Treat business challenges as opportunities to seek God’s wisdom through prayer and reflection.

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). Prioritizing Christ unlocks blessings we could never achieve on our own.

Lesson 4: Rest Is Part of God's Design

In the story of creation, God modeled the importance of rest by taking the seventh day to reflect on His work (Genesis 2:2-3). As Christian business leaders, we must embrace rest as a gift from God. It is not laziness but obedience. Rest allows us to reconnect with Christ and gain fresh vision for the road ahead.

Overworking is often rooted in fear—fear of falling behind or not achieving enough. But God's economy operates differently: He provides abundantly when we trust in Him and follow His rhythms of work and rest.

Practical Application:

Schedule regular sabbaticals or quiet retreats to recharge spiritually and mentally.

Cultivate a workplace culture that respects rest—encourage employees to take breaks and time off.

Reflect on Psalm 127:2: "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He grants sleep to those He loves." Trust that rest is part of your stewardship.

Rest renews your heart and mind, enabling you to return to your work with clarity and joy.

Lesson 5: Business as a Form of Worship

The story of Martha and Mary reminds us that even mundane tasks, when done with the right heart, can be acts of worship. Colossians 3:23 teaches us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When we see our businesses as ministries, we infuse purpose into every action—from serving customers to managing finances.

Viewing business as worship shifts the focus from self to God. It reminds us that success is not measured by worldly standards but by obedience to His call.

Practical Application:

Dedicate your business to God through prayer, asking Him to use it as a tool for His glory.

Treat customers, employees, and stakeholders with the love and integrity of Christ.

Celebrate victories by giving credit to God and using profits to bless others and further His kingdom.

When business becomes worship, even the smallest task carries eternal significance.

The Balance Between Martha and Mary

The story of Martha and Mary offers profound lessons for Christian business leaders. Both service and devotion are important, but they must be properly balanced. Martha’s example teaches us to work with excellence, while Mary’s reminds us to prioritize time with Jesus. The challenge is not to eliminate busyness but to ensure that our busyness never replaces our relationship with Christ.

In the end, our work will bear the most fruit when it flows from a heart connected to God. As we sit at His feet daily, we gain the wisdom, strength, and vision needed to lead well. May we learn to embrace both the diligence of Martha and the devotion of Mary, keeping Christ at the center of all we do.

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