Who is the most important person in your life? Pretend you haven’t seen them in 18 months and they were coming for a visit. You knew they would not be able to stay long and you are not sure how long it will be before you will see them again. However, you are filled with joy and excitement because you are going to be able to spend a little time with this friend or family member. You want to make it special so you begin to plan for the celebration of the ages. You spare no expense in your preparation and finally the time comes! The doorbell rings and standing on your front porch is the one you have been longing to see and hold in your arms. The greeting is sweet and your entire household is thrilled. You invite your guest in and you rush into the kitchen to finish the final preparations for your exquisite meal with them. The rest of the family gathers in the living room to hear the latest stories from your honored guest.
Minutes and hours pass by as you put the final touches on the food, the trimmings and the dessert. The dining room table is decorated with your finest china. The crystal glasses from attic have been washed and they glisten in the candlelight. Everything is now ready and you walk into the living room to invite your guest and your family to come in for dinner. However, your guest looks at you with tears in their eyes as they place their cell phone back into their pocket.
“I have to go,” they say. “I just received word that my mom has been rushed to the hospital after a tragic car accident and they are not sure she will make it. I’m so sorry, I will have to catch the next flight out.”
Your heart breaks as you watch them speed out of the driveway and then reality hits. While you have spent the last three hours preparing to entertain and feed your guest, you have spent no time with your guest. Now the opportunity is gone and you have no idea when you will have it back. The last three hours have been a waste and the very one you wanted lavish your love upon has now gone away.
The same is often true with us as Christians. We are “busy” for the Lord and in the Lord’s work…yet how much time do we really spend with Him?
In Luke 10:38-42, Martha was busy preparing a meal for Jesus. There is no more important guest than this. Martha was doing a good thing for a good reason. However, she was upset at her sister who was enjoying the presence of Jesus, but not helping in the kitchen.
Martha asks Jesus, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
Jesus’ answer may have surprised Martha and it may surprise you as well. He said, “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.”
Jesus reminds Martha that she has gotten so busy try to do things “for Jesus” that she has neglected spending time “with Jesus.” Jesus lets her know that He is not going to rebuke Mary, because Mary has chosen the best over what was good. Yes, it’s good to serve Jesus, but when serving Jesus causes us to neglect Him it becomes a burden rather than a blessing.
As a matter of fact Scripture indicates that our service to God will be much more productive if it is preceded by time spent with God! So let me encourage you today to just spend some time with Him in prayer and His Word. It will be time well spent!
alightinerie 