We have found ourselves frequently glamorizing workaholics, the busyness of life, and the priority of filling time. For fear of being portrayed as lazy, Western minds seek to find ways to be consumed in actions with little time to simply be. Unfortunately this has even evolved into spiritual applications as well.
In my adolescence of ministry, I have had days where I began my work at 3AM and ended at 11PM. I have known weeks and months to go by without a weekend to catch up. I don’t say such things to boast or to seek that glamorization previously mentioned, but rather as a firsthand testimony of knowing how spirituality can keep us busy. I know many who have had even more tumultuous experiences in their work.
The negativity doesn’t stem from the work itself. Rather the correction needs to be made when that busyness steals us from the presence of Jesus. I have been in ministry-related scenarios where I was present in action, but absent in spirit. I have been in situations that have been extraordinarily uncomfortable where my mind is only fixed on “when will this be over.” Perhaps in better explanation, adjustment is imperative when ministry stops being ministry and begins being merely “work.” The justification for such actions have always been, “we are doing this in service for God,” though I don’t find that to be right.
As Jesus arrived into the village, Martha was the first of her household to greet Him. Amazed by His presence, Mary dropped what she was doing to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear Him teach. Meanwhile Martha was “distracted with much serving” (10:40). She asked the Lord to intervene since she was left to serve alone since Mary’s focus was only on Jesus. In a gentle rebuke He explains, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (10:42).
From this brief account, one can learn that a close proximity to Jesus through serving can still result in a remote relationship. It is when we are close to Jesus that our service becomes genuine, natural, and energized. A ministry for Jesus instead of a ministry with Jesus is sure to burn someone out. Yet it is Christ Himself who emphasized repeatedly His presence in this world (Matt. 11:29, 28:28). A blessing is found in an unwavering focus of Jesus.
Tyler King