Discouragement: Reasons And Answers by K. P. Yohannan

Author:K. P. Yohannan
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-01-08T13:52:14+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

Encouragement in Christ

Christ often visited the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha, who both cared deeply for Jesus and His disciples. The way Martha expressed her love and concern was to cook a fine meal. But in the middle of these preparations, she came to Christ and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40).

In other words, she said, "Lord, this is not fair. Why do You allow Mary to sit here, so relaxed and happy, while I am killing myself back in this hot, stuffy kitchen? This just isn't right!"

Think about Martha's side of the story. Could it be that she felt discouraged because she was not appreciated? Sometimes, when I think about this story, I want to read next that Christ came to the kitchen door and said, "Martha, I know how hard you are working for us. Thank you so much!"

But I know this was not the way that Jesus thought. I don't think like He does, but perhaps my carnal nature reveals what Martha was thinking in this instance. We can begin to feel what she might have been feeling. We would have liked for Jesus to have encouraged her in her work.

But instead Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha . . . you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

Having the Right Priority

Why couldn't Jesus encourage Martha in the work that she was doing? Maybe more hard work wasn't the priority He wanted her to have. We humans have a hang-up; we need to feel appreciated in what we do. But Jesus chose not to meet this need in Martha because it would have led her along a path away from intimacy with Him.

Blessed is the man or woman who encourages anyone to look to Christ alone. Saint John Chrysostom says,

Encourage one another to remain standing just as you have been standing. If anyone wavers from the ranks, take care to hold him back. In this way you will receive a double reward, for your own zeal and for the concern you show for your brothers.

Encourage others to seek God. Do not encourage them to blindly continue down the same path; rather, encourage them to seek Christ and serve Him in joyful and restful obedience.

Sometimes no one will notice how faithfully we serve. You and I are human beings, and in this fragile life of ours, there are times when deep down we long for someone to know and appreciate what we do. We want someone to recognize us. Often we want this because we are consumed with ourselves.

It is precisely at these moments that we must be reminded to look to Christ. It is then that our brothers and sisters may be clear examples of Christ to us and guide us to Him. The following

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