Want A Closer Walk With Jesus? Know When To Quit.

Today I encourage you to Quit.

Why in the world would I suggest that, you ask?  If we are not careful, we can get so wrapped up in doing that we lose sight of what matters. Our intentions are good. The things we do are even good. But there comes a time when we have to stop doing and take time to listen. To learn. To rest. But we find it hard because there are so many things to do, so we just keep going and going.

“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)

Martha is like many of us. She knew the Lord was on His way and wanted to make sure her home was perfect for His arrival. She swept the floor, straightened the furniture, and checked the food over and over just to be sure nothing was out of place.  When Jesus arrived at her house, she may have expected Him to be impressed with all she had done in preparation for Him.  Even after He was there, she scurried about doing this and that to make sure He was well taken care of. She was rather upset when her sister, Mary, had decided to sit with Jesus.

“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” (Luke 10:39 NIV)

Mary was not concerned with entertaining Jesus, she was interested in spending time with Him. Sure, she wanted things to be nice when He arrived. But once He was there she knew it was time to quit.  The Lord was there – in her house.   It was time to be still and listen to what He had to say. But this frustrated Martha who questioned Jesus, asking why Mary should not help her with the preparations.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41, 42 NIV)

Jesus told Martha she was focused on the wrong things and that only one thing was really needed – spending time with Him. He would not send Mary away from Him for the sake of “being busy”.

How many times do we find ourselves acting as Martha? We’re busy maintaining ministries and organizing projects but we neglect the one thing that matters most.

We’re doing things out of our love for Jesus but forget to spend time WITH Jesus.  

It’s so important to reach out to those in need and serve in different capacities, but just doing those things does not bring us closer to God. Our relationship is strengthened by spending quality time with Jesus and that strong relationship  then equips us for the outreach.

Take a look at your life. Are you spending time with Jesus or merely trying to entertain Him with your projects and busyness? Let’s not be distracted with the things we’re doing.  Take some time today to quit.  Even if just for a few minutes, stop everything else and spend time with Jesus.

Come on, you can do it.

photo by KT Ann – Flickr, Creative Commons