It Takes All Kinds

It Takes All Kinds

Martha And Mary

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-21

As Alison drove home, she couldn’t wait to call Kelli. The seminar on personalities had let her see her sister in a new light. Alison had immediately pegged herself as a Choleric, a born leader who was always taking charge, always achieving. She’d also recognized Kelli, a quiet, analytical introvert, in the discussion of the Melancholy personality. All these years I’ve been criticizing what I thought were weaknesses—just because she’s not like me, Alison thought. I owe my sister a long-overdue apology.

Martha and Mary also experienced conflict because of personality differences. Martha had an active personality, always busy and fussing over details. Mary was quieter and more contemplative. When Jesus dropped by, Martha immersed herself in preparations that would make his visit the very best it could be. Mary fastened her full attention on Jesus, drinking in his words and making the most of the opportunity to learn from him. While the two sisters had different approaches to showing devotion to Jesus, they both loved him deeply. Jesus loved and appreciated both women. He was very gentle in rebuking Martha when she took her gift of practical service to an extreme and it became a weakness instead of a strength.

God’s love for variety can be seen in his creation, in the vast array of animals and flowers and in the fact that no two snowflakes are alike. He also gave each of us a unique personality. We all have different combinations of natural talents, abilities, personality traits, and spiritual gifts. While these differences sometimes cause conflicts among believers, God planned our diversity so that we would depend on one another and enrich one another’s lives. When we remember that we all serve the Lord Jesus, we’ll appreciate how another’s personality complements our own instead of trying to change that person.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

Romans 12:6