When we are filled with self-seeking our desires battle within us. We don't get what we want. We kill and covet because we cannot have what we want. We quarrel and fight. When we ask God for something we do not receive it because we ask with wrong motives, praying for something we may spend on our own pleasures.

While we are filled with self-will and self-seeking, we cannot play. God may have given us the right to play but we cannot do it. We are our own worst enemy.

The self-driven believer is a source of continual quarreling and fighting. When he enters a situation that has been peaceful or could easily be made delightful he turns it into a dead sea of bitterness and misery. He is unable to play!

Deliverance from the effects of work and imprisonment.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40—NIV)

Think of it! The thundering God of Sinai was in their house! Mary and Martha were adults who apparently lived ordinary lives. But that day an absolutely unbelievable, staggering, fantastic event had overtaken them. God was in their front room!

What would you and I give to have the Lord Jesus come and sit down in our living room!

But it did take place in their home. The Majesty from Heaven was visiting with Mary and Martha just as God in the beginning had been with Adam and Eve.

Marvel of all marvels! Joy of all joy! The ultimate fulfillment of all desire had happened to them. It now was time to play.

However Martha was unable to play! Mary was instantly ready to play but Martha could not play.

Why was this?

When we work, work, work, when we continually are frustrated and disappointed, there can be a negative effect on our personality. This happens to faithful, conscientious, diligent people. The older brother was unable to play when the prodigal returned home.

It seems unfair that the weary pilgrim who has fought the good fight of faith for so many years, whose back is bent under the cross, is then unable to straighten up and ride victoriously into the city with Jesus. There is his war stallion and he is not quite up to mounting it.

Sholom Aleichem tells of the beggar who died and was brought before Abraham. Abraham invited him to ask what he would and it would be given him. The beggar, who could have received the wealth of Heaven, requested a hot roll and butter—something he had dreamed of eating during his days on earth.

Life beats the idealism, the joy, the wonder, the hope, the play out of us.

To be continued.