First Presbyterian Church                                                              Rev. Michael J. Imperiale

Salt Lake City, Utah                                                                       May 14, 2006

                                                                      TAKING THE PLUNGE

                                                             “Personality – Getting to Know You”

                                                                           Luke 10: 38-42

Introduction

One of the things I like most about being part of the church is getting to know people. I genuinely enjoy most of the personalities, backgrounds, experiences and stories of members and friends here at First Presbyterian. So, I think it is a good goal for each one of us to have Christian friends, to share with each other, to get to know one another.

For instance, where would you put yourself between the two extremes? On housework, are you more like Felix Unger in the Odd Couple, can eat off the floor? Or are you more like Oscar Madison: where is the floor? When it comes to cooking or eating, are you like Julia Child where every meal is an act of worship? Or are you Ronald McDonald; just make it fast, hold the frills? Out on the road, do you drive like Jeff Gordon; get out of my way, I’m in a hurry; this is a race to be won! Or, is it, “We’ll get there whenever; just sit back and enjoy the ride?”

Each one of us has a unique, special personality created by God, shaped by family and friends, shifted and developed by experiences in life. Then, together you and I bring personality to the church. When we share who we are with each other, the church becomes a genuine community of believers, a special family of faith.

Over the next few weeks, I hope you will join me in taking the plunge, diving into life together as First Presbyterian Church. PLUNGE stand for personality, life, urge, needs, gifts, and enlistment (getting to know one another, sharing our stories and passions, discovering God’s calling, putting our gifts to work and making a commitment to Christ and one another). These are the things that make being a Christian in the church a joy and fulfillment of our faith. So, here we go!

I. Personalities in the Bible (vs. 38-42)

In the sermon text this morning, we encounter Martha and Mary, sisters from the same parents, household and upbringing, yet with very different personalities. “As Jesus and his disciples continued their travel, they entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Lord, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in and interrupted them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” Jesus said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. Only one thing is essential, and Mary has chosen it – it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

Some people are naturally just dynamos of activity; others are naturally quiet. Extraverts and introverts, sensory and intuitive, thinkers and feelers. On this Mother’s Day, think back to your mother. Which one was she most like, Mary or Martha? It’s hard for the active person to understand the person who sits and contemplates. It’s just as hard for the person who loves quiet times and meditation to accept the frenetic activity of people always on the go.

We need both in our lives, in our families, and in the church. Both have strengths and both have weaknesses. There are times you want Martha as your friend. There are times when Mary would be better. Which one would you rather work for? Which one would you choose to work for you? Think about it: sometimes Mary, sometimes Martha.

At this time, Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to complete his purpose and mission in the world: to suffer and die on the cross for the redemption of his people. When he arrives at Martha’s house, he is so glad to have Mary simply sit with him and talk and listen. He needed this calm, quiet time. Martha wanted to host Jesus with an elegant meal. Jesus would have preferred something quite simple. He knew he had only one more week with them and wanted to spend time with them.

In John 11, we have the opposite scenario. Their brother Lazarus has died, Mary and Martha are grieving. Mary sits at home while Martha runs out to meet Jesus. Martha is the one who hears the astounding message, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though you die, you will live.”

There is a time to sit and reflect. There is a time to run out and find out. Jesus is not picking on Martha. He’s not saying that people who let their housework go are more spiritual. Jesus is saying that there are times when people are more important presentation. There are times you would want Mary to take care of your children. Other times Martha would be better. Some days I need Martha as a next door neighbor. Other days it would be Mary.

Imagine if Jesus dropped in on your home this afternoon. He might say let’s watch the game together or how about turning off the TV and having a good conversation. He might tell you to slow down and smell the roses or tell you to get off your duff. Maybe reorganize your time to spend time each day with the Lord or spend more time with your family.

The point is: we need Marys and Marthas in our lives, in our families and in the church.

II. Personalities in the Church

These next few weeks, we will be looking at ways of getting involved in our church. If the purpose of our church is to love God, love neighbor, and make disciples, we want to reach our community for Christ and do mission and ministry in our city. Taking the PLUNGE is all about being and becoming a vibrant and vital church. I hope you will find your niche in the church or belong to a small group that will support you in your spiritual growth. I hope you will find fun and friendship here as you get to know God in a more personal way. I hope you will think through what God wants you to do with your life at this stage of things and understand what you believe as a Christian person. I hope you will discover your spiritual gifts and take the next step in your life of faith along with others who care.

For this to happen in any of our lives, we need Marthas and Marys in the church. Discipleship (following Jesus, being a Christian) is a balanced combination of two things: service and reflection, worship and work, doing and devotion. Mary shows the importance of reflecting on what Jesus teaches. It may involve silence before God in prayer, careful reading of the Word, journaling one’s thoughts, fears, joys, and prayers, listening for his voice. Unfortunately, when life gets busy, the first thing to go is time with the Lord. We need Marys in the church to remind us and encourage us to have this ongoing devotional life with Christ.

Martha shows how it is just as important to put your faith into action. There is a time for doing. Serving is the model of life that Jesus lived and commanded of us. We need Marthas in the church to push us, urge us, lead us into action, but never at the expense of relationship with Christ and one another. In our serving, we should always have an eye toward growing our faith and encouraging others in their relationship with God.

Conclusion

Whatever your personality, you are needed and wanted in the church. God made you unique and special. You bring to the church what no one else can. So, take the plunge. Be yourself, lend yourself, express yourself. First Presbyterian Church loves you for who you are in Christ.

Let us pray together.