I was raised by a visually impaired Mother who did everything she was capable of doing and more things than most people thought she was able to do. Needless to say, I developed a strong work ethic. This is a positive characteristic right? Well most of the time. For all of January, I found myself becoming frustrated with team/squad members who didn’t do the work assigned to us. Didn’t we agree to “serve the saints” on this missionary trip?
Plus, 
our Filipino ministry contacts treated us better than any of my other contacts. They prepared three meals each day, provided and gave us access to transportation, WiFi, housing, fun outings, and time in the afternoon to build relationships within the community. They were doing more for us than we for them in three measly hours of physical labor each day. Was I not being "Christ like" for looking down on others who don’t work hard?
In the story of Martha and Mary, the one who sits at the foot of Jesus is doing better than the one who serves. In frustrated response to feedback from our ministry contacts, I decided to just “sit” since a hard worker is less valued than a lazy person. After feedback from my team leader, I reread Luke 10:38-42. This time, God made things clearer.
Mary was sitting at the foot of Jesus giving her undivided attention to his teachings. She wasn’t on the internet, sleeping, or at the beach while everyone else was working. Mary was engaged in the gospel. There is a definite difference between giving time to God and following selfish ambitions. I’ve learned that my works are to glorify Christ, only. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is or is not doing. I don’t have the right to condemn a person. It doesn’t even matter if my work is recognized or not. When I reminded myself of this in moments when frustration was setting in, I was immediately calmed and found joy in my work. I think pride in my work ethic was the core problem.
What do you take pride in that has lead to other frustrations in life?
Has one of your positive characteristics become a negative one?
