Many of us love Jesus. We want to honor Him, glorify Him, and do work that proclaims Him. And our routines and structures can be a beautiful aide toward that. But they can also become a cheap substitute. You see, in the end, while our labor and disciplines can matter, and even help, what Jesus wants is not our labor and disciplines, but us.
He wants me.
He wants you.
Anxious and Troubled
Martha and Mary are instructive here. Consider their story from the Gospel of Luke.
Now as they went on their way Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcome him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
It helps to note Jesus’ concern with Martha was not her hospitality. What she was doing really mattered. Indeed, such was an important feature of their culture.
Jesus’ concern was Martha’s lack of soul-rest in the midst of her activity, underscored by her frustration toward her sister. Her identity, appeared to be wrapped up in her productivity. Jesus wanted better for her.
Serving is important. Routines and discipline matter. Such things make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Many of our endeavors can have real meaning and value. But they can also be a trap. Do you imagine yourself as little more than a mere producer? Is your worth before God and others tied to what you do?
Jesus Wants Us
It is possible Jesus’ words to Martha may be for you and me as well. “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” The good portion, the one thing, Mary apparently enjoyed was not doing for Jesus but being with Jesus.
The good portion is being, not doing.
The good portion is being, not doing.
So, find pleasure in your work.
Delight in mining for spiritual treasure.
Feast on the Word of God.
Serve well.
But when all is said and done know that what Jesus wants is not our activity, but us. Jesus does not need our service, however much it may matter. Our identity is not shaped by what we may do for him but what he in his glory and goodness has done for us.
Jesus wants us.
He wants you.
He wants me.
Choose the good portion.