Three mistakes Martha makes -- mistakes we all can make -- in her ministry to Christ: First, her work for Christ overshadowed her devotion to Christ. The number one hindrance in the ministry many times is the ministry itself. What Martha did and what the moneychangers did (Jn. 2:16) -- albeit from vastly different motives, incurred a similar ministerial rebuke. Our greatest duty requires our greatest devotion -- not our greatest service. Great accomplishments come from resting and waiting -- something simple, but not simplistic (2 Cor. 11:3-4).

Second, a common ministry doesn't equate to a common burden. Mary and Martha were both sisters, sharing the same house, the same social status, the same income stream -- just not the same burdens when it came to spiritual realities. While every servant shares a common faithfulness (Matt. 25:21,23; 1 Cor. 4:2), not every servant shares common talents (Matt. 25:14ff.). Expect someone else to feel what only you are responsible for, and the end result will be murmuring and complaining and even resentment toward the Lord. It would have been easy for those laboring in the field all day to assume that it was someone else's turn to work when they came in (Lk. 17:7-8), or to receive higher wages when compared to others who started late (Matt. 20:10-11). Both assumed similar ministries meant similar work loads or rewards from the Master.

Lastly, strength for ministry comes from our labors, not as a result of our labors. Martha labored in things that bothered, worried and distracted her -- vices that rob of strength in ministry. If the Master gives the work, He will certainly give the satisfaction. You can't labor in the flesh hoping for a spiritual outcome (Gal. 3:3). You feed others only with bread you yourself have labored to eat and enjoy.