Is Busy Really Better?
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and it won’t be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
What is all the commotion about? It seems that everyone is rushing about, trying to work through our to-do lists so that we can… what? Create new to-do lists that we can then commit our energies to complete?
We are not doing ourselves any favors as a society by living life at supersonic speed. Technology was supposed to create more “margin” for us – margin for leisure, relationships, and relaxation. Yet, surely this hasn’t been the case. In fact, our use of technology has promoted the opposite effect. Today, we cram more and more activity into our lives, because we can. Our culture is providing our kids with the mistaken message that busier is better.
Even we, as Christians, tend to cram our schedules with too many good things: ministry meetings, program meetings, small group Bible studies, accountability groups, recovery groups and even meetings to plan more meetings. Yikes! Remember, just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should!
When we look at Jesus’ life, He never seemed rushed or hurried. He never gave the impression that unless He moved quickly along to the next activity. He would miss out on something important. Consider this: when measured against today’s standards of success based on activity and production, Jesus’ ministry would be considered a flop. He didn’t have a cellphone or the Internet. And He walked – everywhere He went! How did He ever accomplish anything?! Somehow, despite the technological limitations of His era, Jesus was still able to do everything that His Heavenly Father asked of Him.
Perhaps one of our greatest spiritual problems today is that we are too busy – and we have little time for solitude, reflection, relaxation and simply sitting at the feet of the Master. Today, spend some time evaluating your schedule. Consider cutting back. Who knows? It may be the best decision you can make right now!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider your schedule. Are there activities and commitments you can cut back on that would add quality to your life?
2. What steps can you take this week to cut back your busy schedule?
READING FURTHER:
Psalm 46:10; Matthew 11:28-29; Mark 6:31
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