Sit or Serve?

“… you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

The past few weeks I’ve been keeping myself pretty busy.  As each day has gone by, it seems as though I have more on my “to do” list, and less time on my clock. However, the more I think about it, I have to ask myself, is it really an issue of time, or have I started a deeper pattern of concerning myself with too many unnecessary things?

In Luke 10, we see a similar story of a woman named Martha who invited Jesus and his disciples into her home. I’m sure she was honored that He was there and her hospitality is to be commended, but the text reveals that she was so busy and distracted (vs.40) preparing for Him that she was missing the very thing she needed to do — simply just “sit” with Him.  

Distracted: to be driven about mentally, to be over-occupied, too busy about a thing.

Sound familiar?

How many of you have found yourself in similar situations:

• Volunteering
• Work
• Ministry assignments
• Family obligations

The list could go on.

Our service to others isn’t a bad thing, but if we’re not careful Jesus’ response in verse 41 reveals that we are figuratively “going to pieces because we’re pulled apart in so many different directions”.

As one commentary put it “Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from serving God, and getting good to our souls.”

Sometimes we need to pause and ask ourselves; is it time to sit or serve?

When we put our schedules or tasks, over what’s essential, like sitting at the feet of Jesus, we’re revealing what we think is really important. Our pride whispers that we need to keep pushing because there are things to do. But subtly what can happen is, our serving and “doing” can turn into an obsession.

For me it comes to down to an issue of trust.  Will I trust God enough to know that as I seek Him first everything else will fall into place? It doesn’t mean that we don’t plan and keep things in order, we just need to keep a healthy perspective on how it should look.

I know your days can get busy, but I encourage you to harken the words of Jesus and make time for the “good thing which won’t be taken away” (Luke 10:41). If you find yourself overwhelmed by tasks in front of you, I encourage you to release the pressure to “do” and “be” all things. Find joy in taking time to sit at the feet of our Lord-gaining nourishment for your soul.  It allows you to grow closer in your relationship with Him, experience His peace, and fuel you to serve in a way in which He is glorified.

Off to sit for a while!
Keisha <3

P.S. Something special is happening in June! I hope you can join me. Click here for more details!