I remember when Help Boardshop was just opening, and we spent some time in prayer as the JSAW team. That was over a year ago, but I still think back on this simple prayer Jonny prayed that evening: “Jesus, may I not become distracted by all that I am doing for You.” At first it might sound contradictory, but it got me thinking…
all that I am doing for You…
It reminded me of a story from Luke 10 (v. 38-42). “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. 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!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many thing, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”’
Have you ever found yourself striving like Martha? Focusing on your actions for Christ, rather than your being with Christ? Becoming distracted by all that you are doing for God?
It’s pretty surprising how easily our service to and for God can actually distract us from Him. I think it is quite the scheme from satan, using something good to pull us from our Savior. But, like Mary, we can choose what is best.
As you enter this new week of busyness, I challenge you to assess whether you have been living like Martha or Mary. Then refuse to be distracted by all that you are doing for God.
Remember, ministry should never come at the cost of your own relationship with God.