So many tell me that Jesus is their LORD, yet they’re still making all the decisions in their life. So, who is Lord, really? Is that something YOU need to hear?
Well, I need to be reminded of it sometimes, and I take no offense when someone reminds me. After all, it’s way too easy to get your eyes off what’s really important with all that’s going on in the world today. Each new year most people take stock of the past year and make plans how to improve this year, and I’m no exception. We all need more time WITH Jesus, and less time being busy doing things FOR Jesus. It’s kind of like the Martha and Mary thing, you know?
There is an account in Luke 10:38-42 for us to look at:
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
You will notice both Mary and Martha were doing a good thing, both were needful, but one was more important than the other. We are to choose the MOST important. Martha was busy doing things she thought were FOR Jesus. Mary chose to be WITH Jesus. Don’t you know that Jesus wasn’t there for the food. He was there to teach and to help people get their lives in order. Mary wanted to get her life in order, so she listened. We should do likewise. Sadly, Martha was too busy. And the devil is always glad when you’re too busy to spend time with Jesus. In fact, the devil will help you be as busy as you can stand to be.
I’m not saying we should stop serving people and helping them. I’m just saying, you must have water in your own well if you’re going to help thirsty people. Jesus offers the LIVING WATER, and if our well is empty, how can we help others? The only way to fill your vessel is to sit at Jesus’ feet and let Him fill you. If you’re so busy doing this or that, you’re giving out, you’re not getting filled. And sooner or later, you will run dry and will be trying to help others out of your flesh and not out of your Spirit.
How do you know when your Spirit is going dry? You’ll find that studying your Bible or praying is no longer your first priority. You won’t have a strong desire to win souls for Jesus. Pretty soon, you get so far behind you don’t really care anymore, because you aren’t longing for the presence of the LORD like you were before. That is a VERY DANGEROUS place to be. If your Spirit is running dry, then you’d better stop being Martha and start being Mary.
The devil is a sly one. If he can’t get you to turn away from Jesus, he will accuse you of not doing enough for Jesus. He will put a guilt trip on you about working more for the LORD so you’re pleasing Him. He knows full well if he can keep you occupied “serving the LORD”, you will have no time to spend WITH Him. And that is a spiritual starvation diet. Just like a plant that is neglected and not watered, you will shrivel up and die spiritually. And one day you’ll wonder how you ever got that way. Well, now you know.
Let me share something with you: God isn’t looking for more servants. He has countless servants waiting on Him in heaven. What He is REALLY looking for is SONS AND DAUGHTERS who will spend quality time with Him. Now I know you’re busy. We all are. But which are you, a Martha, or a Mary? The work here never ends. But sooner or later, your time here with Jesus ends, and there is no “make-up” opportunity. You either get it here, or you lose out forever.
Take time to honestly examine your life today. The most important thing on earth is not what you do FOR Jesus, but what you do WITH Jesus. He said this in Matthew 7:21-27,
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
What is the point I’m making? These people apparently did stuff FOR Jesus, but lacked the RELATIONSHIP with Him. And yes, there will be a test. I hope you pass it! Did Martha? I don’t know. But Mary sure did! Why take a chance? Be like Mary.