How many times have we heard that as believers our faith is authenticated by our works? For me, a recovering legalist, guilt seems to be the native soil of my profession. I am never doing enough, and any time I spend on hobby or home is peppered with the thought that I am wasting my time and my life on peripheral pursuits. I must consciously affirm that perhaps this is my God ordained task for the day – something I enjoy. Which is all well and good. I can handle that, and I am so grateful for the lifestyle I now enjoy that has more space in it for choice without the inflexible responsibilities of mothering and work.
And yet, there is the submerged sense that I am not doing enough to promote the kingdom of God, not enough Good Samaritan care for my neighbors. Not enough praying. Not enough service. Not enough effort. Not enough …… So I fill up the days with the addictive busyness that once defined my life. I again smugly smile at my valuable contribution to God’s work on earth. I resume the rush from good work to better work, trampling over any who get in the way of the scheduled activities. I feel pretty good about myself. Then I notice that others are not joining my labors, they are sitting it out – the lazy sloths! We could be so much more productive if everyone would pitch in! Where is their concern for the Lord’s work? Why am I the only one tasked with such a burden of service? Hey God! What about them????
I recognize His characteristic sense of humor as my morning’s appointed reading is about the Good Samaritan. Validated, I am patting myself on the back as the reading continues: “As they continued their journey, Jesus came to a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister by the name of Mary who settled down at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was very worried about her elaborate preparations and she burst in, saying, “Lord, don’t you mind that my sister has left me to do everything by myself? Tell her to get up and help me!” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, my dear, you are worried and bothered about providing so many things. Only a few things are really needed, perhaps only one. (Emphasis added) Mary has chosen the best part and you must not tear it away from her!” Luke 10:38-42 JBP
Cut to the heart!! This very passage is recorded in my personal journal countless times over the years of my kingdom journey! How easy it is to forget. How quickly the religious rigors resurface. One thing! Listen to Him! The best part is my interaction with Him, which actually is interpreted by my busy little self as inaction. Being still and listening is probably the hardest thing I ever do in service to my King. Settle down and listen!
Ok Jesus! Grace!!!! Help!!
Please listen to this masterful musical rendition of this very thought, which is much more pleasant way of letting this mindset begin to soak your soul.
My God is the Friend of Silence
SALTSHAKER 