Priority 1: Seek the Lord

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’  Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

This verse has been on my mind. I cannot image how it would feel to stand before Jesus and hear those words. I also think about all those that will and never expected. I spend too much of my time trying to do everything and feel compelled that I must be involved whenever the opportunity arises. I have been meditating on this verse. I believe one of the lessons of this verse is to not be caught up in the works.  I think that many times we are guilty of focusing on doing stuff. We work in children’s church, sing, tithe and sign up for every committee and event. I believe we truly think we are doing what we should. However, how much time and energy do we put into study, prayer and seeking God? We should be first seeking a relationship with God through Jesus. If you are always serving, when are you engaging with God?

I am not saying that working in the church or the community is bad by no means. What I am saying is that like Mary (Luke 10:38-42) we should be at Jesus’ feet. Martha was so worried about the food and all the work; she had taken no time to sit down and listen to Jesus’ teaching. Martha complained to Jesus about Mary’s lack of help. I can image her frustrated and overwhelmed. And there sits little sister Mary doing nothing. I would be upset too. However, what does Jesus say?

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² 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

Our priority is to seek the Lord. Grow in our relationship with him, learn his character from studying the Bible and love one another. If like Mary we are willing to simply sit down, read the Bible and come to our knees before him, then he will know us and we him.  

Working in church and the community is needed and important. However, priority one is cultivating our relationship with Christ. From there we go and do the will of God.

Typist for Jesus.