Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

Jesus wasn't nice.  Jesus was kind. The difference? One is a politeness that may or may not be genuine.  When we “play nice,” it may be a total act. Or we may be obeying societal norms, or acting the way we think we “should.” Maybe we don’t want to make waves. But kindness is a totally different animal. Kindness runs deeper. Kindness shows compassion. Kindness requires genuine humility. I believe kindness puts itself in the other person’s shoes, empathizing with others. Jesus was real. This simply means He never put on a show or acted in ways that culture expected. We see this over and over in the gospels in how Jesus interacts with the Pharisees - far from "nice!" Jesus did not have a mean bone in His body. Yet He always spoke the truth. He never watered down the truth and He never feared man. It’s not always “nice” to speak the truth.  In our easily offended culture, some have kowtowed to the popular opinion. Jesus never once kowtowed to anyone and yet He was the most h

Mary has chosen the good part. Martha was busy preparing food, flustered and anxious because she was trying to do too much.  Perhaps her intentions were good - she wanted to make it all "just so" for Jesus, to feed him, to make sure she was being a proper hostess. But she missed out on the best part. Being with Jesus. Mary sat at Jesus' feet. Mary wanted to be  with Jesus.  Mary didn't seem too concerned about feeding or serving Jesus. Wow!  What a lesson in love and life! How many of us are more concerned with doing  for the Lord than just being with Him? How does that leave us feeling?  Anxious?  Frustrated?  Like we could never do enough?  Striving in our own strength? Jesus told Martha flat out, "Mary has chosen the good part."   It's like Jesus was saying, Thanks, Martha.  I appreciate you wanting to make a meal for me, but why don't you just sit and relax and be  with Me a while? Jesus loves relationships.  Jesus was really good at them.  Oh, m