I know it's weird to think think anything different to the pattern of "I'm serving Jesus, that's good enough."
But it isn't good enough. When we serve so much to the exclusion of being close to God, spending time with Him, things become counterproductive.
Take for instance Mary. She had a very expensive perfume that she used to get down to Jesus' feet and wash them. She was given flack for not using the perfume as means of providing for the poor. But Jesus commended her actions saying that, in essence, she ought to focus on Jesus more than the poor.
Another instance was when Mary and Martha had Jesus and the disciples over to their house. Jesus was teaching and Martha was busy catering to them. Mary on the other hand was sitting by Jesus listening to what He had to say--and that frustrated Martha because she was left with all the work. Martha goes on a rampant to Jesus about how she's doing all the work and that He should tell Mary to help her. Jesus rebukes her, saying that Mary chose the good thing, not her.
So here's what needs to be said. More for my sake (and it helps to vocalize thoughts), but for yours as well.
Don't be so caught up in service that you neglect time with Jesus. You preach, teach, minister to children or the elderly, host Bible studies? Great! But spend time connected to God so everything you do will prosper--so that you will not faint and that you will grow.
But it isn't good enough. When we serve so much to the exclusion of being close to God, spending time with Him, things become counterproductive.
Take for instance Mary. She had a very expensive perfume that she used to get down to Jesus' feet and wash them. She was given flack for not using the perfume as means of providing for the poor. But Jesus commended her actions saying that, in essence, she ought to focus on Jesus more than the poor.
Another instance was when Mary and Martha had Jesus and the disciples over to their house. Jesus was teaching and Martha was busy catering to them. Mary on the other hand was sitting by Jesus listening to what He had to say--and that frustrated Martha because she was left with all the work. Martha goes on a rampant to Jesus about how she's doing all the work and that He should tell Mary to help her. Jesus rebukes her, saying that Mary chose the good thing, not her.
So here's what needs to be said. More for my sake (and it helps to vocalize thoughts), but for yours as well.
Don't be so caught up in service that you neglect time with Jesus. You preach, teach, minister to children or the elderly, host Bible studies? Great! But spend time connected to God so everything you do will prosper--so that you will not faint and that you will grow.
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