Tyler Kerley

Good Things Distract From Ultimate Things

BY TYLER KERLEY

Marriage has refined my taste in TV shows. “Downton Abbey” never would have been on my watchlist as a bachelor, but my wife has cultivated better taste in me — even if I still have a long way to go.

In the show, Mr. Carson, the head butler, measures out the distance between the silverware and makes sure the best china is set out for the Crawley family’s guests. Ms. Pattmore, the cook, frantically prepares food in the kitchen. Lady Cora Crawley meticulously goes over seating arrangements to ensure guests are entertained.

My wife and I really enjoy hosting dinner parties. They may not be of “Downton Abbey” quality, but, like its characters, we want to give our guests only the best and provide an entertaining night. But, I will be the first to admit, sometimes good things — like thinking through where everyone will sit, how everyone will be served, or trying to provide the perfect night — can distract me from what it ultimately is about.

The biblical character Martha had a similar problem. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha hosts a dinner party. Jesus is her honored guest, but her sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings, leaving Martha to serve alone. (I imagine Martha was known around her small village for throwing dinner parties, similar to those of “Downton Abbey” quality.) Martha probably was known as a community builder and for being servant-hearted.

I imagine Martha knew how important Jesus is, and she only wanted to provide this most esteemed guest with the best night. “But Martha was distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40). Like Martha, in the church, we sometimes become distracted from ultimate things by good things.

Jesus didn’t tell Martha that community and service are bad or unimportant, but he did say they are not ultimate: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).

Similarly, Mark 10:45 teaches us that Jesus did not come to be served by us, but to give his life for us.

The Gospel is good news for sinners. Community is good. Serving others is good. But these things are not what Christianity ultimately is about. Christianity is not about being a good person; Christianity is all about Jesus.

Tyler Kerley is the associate priest at Resurrection Anglican Church in downtown Woodstock. Though originally from Illinois, his wife, Jane, has taught him the value of Southern hospitality when it comes to dinner parties.

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