“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” — Luke 10:39
I remember walking into a pizza spot, starving, and seeing a long line of people waiting to order. I jumped in, already craving something hot and fresh. When I finally made it to the front, all that was left was one small, burnt, crusty slice.
“Excuse me, sir,” I said, pointing at it. “What is this?”
He shrugged. “Sorry, sir. That’s all we have left. Take it or leave it.”
The Back of the Line
That’s how a lot of us treat God. He craves relationship, intimacy and fellowship with us, yet there are so many things we put ahead of Him. Our goals, our work schedules, our social media, and everything else we have going on push Him to the back of the line. By the time He gets to the front, all we have left to give Him is a small, burnt-out piece of ourselves.
Now imagine God looking down at the time we give Him and saying, “Excuse me, son. Excuse me, daughter. What is this?” And our answer: “Sorry, God. That’s all I have left. Take it or leave it.”
Mary and Martha
Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was serving. But she was so busy doing things for Jesus that she missed being with Him. Mary chose to sit at His feet, and Jesus said she had chosen what was better.
Like any healthy relationship, God wants quality time to build and grow with us. He wants to know us and be known by us, and intimate time is the doorway for that to happen. Don’t just give Him the crust of your day. He deserves so much more.
Reflect
Think about your typical day. Where does God fall on your priority list? Are you giving Him your best or your leftovers?
Today’s Challenge
Set aside time today to get away with God, however much you’re able to give Him right now. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, find a quiet space, and show up. No agenda, just presence.
Pray
“Lord, I confess that I have allowed life to push You to the back of the line. Today I choose to make You my first priority. Speak to me as I sit at Your feet.”
This is Day 1 of Just The Two Of Us, a 21-day devotional to bring you closer to God. If this spoke to you, the full journey is waiting. Get the book →