Devotional – Are you busy?

Are you busy?

“Are you busy?” Busyness is something I think that everyone can relate to these days. “Blessed with busyness” our Pastor says. Blessed by being able to use all the talents given to us by a Mighty God. That sounds great in a perfect world. I know many families that are at their busiest during these prime summer months. Between weekend softball tournaments, planning a family vacation, mowing the lawn, getting the kids motivated on week days to do something while you are at work…life can seem awfully busy.

Are you a Mary or a Martha?

Luke 10:38-42 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, 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.”

Martha did what I think most normal people would do when they hear someone important is coming to there home. She cleaned, made dinner, hid any ‘incriminating evidence’, and got out the ‘Good dishes’ so as to accommodate and, most likely, try to impress Jesus her guest.

Upon Jesus’ arrival, Martha busies herself with accommodating Jesus, while Mary busies herself listening to Jesus. When Martha addresses this issue with the equivalent of “How come I have to do all the work and Mary just gets to sit there?”, Jesus responds. “Martha , I can see that you are busy, and doing a wonderful job at what you are doing I might add. I know Mary would love to help you, but she is busy right now too. Busy listening to me. This is the best thing that she can be doing right now.”

So are you a Mary or a Martha? Do you busy yourself with things of this world in place of time in prayer and meditation? I myself have been guilty of Martha syndrome. Busyness has distracted me in my spiritual journey. Being busy isn’t a sin. But when it interferes with our spiritual growth and our relationship with a loving God, it’s time to sit down and go through our priorities. Take the time…literally block it out…to spend in prayer and reflection on God’s Word and His presence in your life.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for the gifts you have given me and for the opportunities I’m given to utilize them and be ‘blessed with busyness’. Give me the wisdom and ability to manage my time effectively so that I may be about the tasks you have given to me, but so that my relationship with you doesn’t slide to the bottom of the list.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.