Don’t Be a Martha — Be a Mary!

The Leadership Secret Hidden in a Two-Thousand-Year-Old Story

In my last newsletter I asked you a question: Are you a Martha? I shared the familiar story of two sisters — one rushing around tending to a houseful of guests, the other sitting quietly at the feet of Jesus. I gave you some practical strategies for escaping the trap of busyness.

Today I want to flip the lens. Instead of examining what Martha did wrong, let’s look at what Mary did right — and what it means for you as a leader.

The Story — A Quick Recap

Here is what Luke 10:38–42 tells us:

Luke 10:38–42 (NIV)

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

Read last month’s full article

What Was Mary Really Thinking?

I have a theory. I suspect Mary considered helping her sister. Think about a big family gathering — the women in the kitchen, the food to prepare, all the moving parts. Many women reading this know exactly that scene. We are wired to see what needs to be done and jump in without anyone having to ask.

Doesn’t that describe you to a T?

You see the gap. You fill it. Nobody asks. You don’t overthink it. That instinct is part of what makes you a leader. But is it what makes you an exceptional leader?

Doing the next thing is not the same as doing the next right thing.

Mary saw the crowd around Jesus. She saw her sister hustling in the kitchen. And then — He began to speak. Something profound was being said. And Mary made a decision: she would stay and listen. She could help Martha in a minute.

That’s the story in my head. We may not know the exact details, but we know this: Mary chose to sit at the Lord’s feet and receive what He had for her. And Jesus honored that choice.

Three Leadership Lessons from Mary

Here is what I want you to take away and apply to your own leadership:

✔  Choose the hard thing — even when others don’t understand.  Mary risked her sister’s frustration. She risked looking lazy or unhelpful. But she chose what was right for her in that moment. Exceptional leaders sometimes have to make decisions that others don’t immediately appreciate or agree with. You have to be willing to hold your ground when you know the right course of action.

✔  Choose to stop, sit still, and listen.  Busyness is loud. The to-do list is relentless. But wisdom requires quiet. Whether you are listening for the voice of God in prayer, taking in the counsel of a trusted mentor, or simply giving yourself the space to hear your own instincts — listening is a leadership discipline, not a luxury.

✔  Make a conscious decision about what is the best thing — not just the next thing.  In last month’s article, we talked about identifying the things that only you can do. Mary recognized that there would always be more preparations to make. But the opportunity in front of her was singular. She chose what would be most valuable to her in the long run. That is strategic thinking — and it is exactly the kind of clarity outstanding leaders must cultivate.

The Promise Behind the Principle

Choosing to listen — to God, to wisdom, to yourself — is not passive. It is one of the most active and intentional decisions you can make as a leader. And God promises to meet you there.

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

That promise has a prerequisite, of course. It presupposes that you are investing in your spiritual life — time in prayer, daily reading of Scripture, forgiveness, and community in the body of Christ. We will spend a full newsletter on the importance of your spiritual practices in a future issue. But know this: the Lord promises to guide His children. When you slow down long enough to hear His voice, you are positioned to make the right moves, not just the fast ones.

Your Invitation This Month

Busyness does not equal productivity. Productivity does not equal impact. For you to lead at the highest level, you must make wise decisions that invest your time in the most effective and meaningful way.

So here is your invitation this month:

Stop and think.

Give yourself space.

Sit at the Lord’s feet — and let Him show you the way.

Mary chose what was better. And Jesus said it would not be taken from her.

You can choose the same.

COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Are You a Spiritual Drive-By Leader?

Dacia L. Moore, LPC | Executive Coach | Author | Speaker

Second Wind Counseling & Consulting  •  secondwindcc.com

dmoore@secondwindcc.com  •  816-665-9823