Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
— Romans 8:5-7

4. You can be friends with Jesus ... a man and a Savior.
Martha taught me that she was Jesus' friend. She welcomed him into her home, fed him and felt comfortable asking for him to tell her sister to help her. You wouldn't do this with a stranger. Sometimes I think we forget that Jesus wants to be our friend, too. He wants us to talk with him about all the things in our lives – from where to find a good parking spot to how to witness to being thankful to our cry for help. He wants our relationship to be real. Just start talking to him today.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
— John 15:15

5. Jesus has compassion for us.
In Jesus' response to Martha's request to have Mary help her, he says her name twice. It is like when we council or talk to a friend and we are trying to calm them down. We may first say their name to get their attention and then again to have them listen to what we are saying. Jesus loved Martha as he loves us. Sometimes he says "Kris, Kris, you are missing what I want to tell you. Kris, Kris, you are not getting it. Kris, Kris, I want so much more for you than you would ever know." I know Jesus loves me and has compassion for me where I am as I work toward being like Him.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
— Psalm 145:8

6. It's important to give what we have away.
Martha and her sister opened up their home to Jesus and His disciples. It's important to remember that all we have belongs to God. God allows us to use it. That when we tithe we are not giving 10 percent, but getting to keep 90 percent. Martha was willing to give what she had away. Are there those in your life whom God has asked you to help, to feed, to shelter, to love but because of pride you won't do it? As we give, God will bless us in more ways than we could ever count.

The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household.
— Ezekiel 44:30

7. Jesus loves and cares for women.
At the time of Christ, women had no authority or power. But Jesus not only ate with them and was in their home, but also encouraged them to sit at His feet to learn. This proves of his provision for women. He not only acknowledges our value, but encourages us to learn so that we would grow in our relationship with him. Thank you, Martha, for stepping out and being an example to all women.