I want to thank each and everyone who has participated in mission work this year – it has been awesome. God has worked in a mighty way, and we have seen firsthand how He will draw people to Him in accordance with His plan – not our plans. But remember to spend personal time with God in prayer, worship and study. Work – no matter how well intentioned – is not a substitute for that relationship you have with Jesus and the quality time you spend with Him.
We see this through the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42:
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Notice that Martha was serving the Lord – certainly well intentioned. But, her service “distracted” her. From what? The Scripture teaches that it “distracted” her from learning and worship. You see, when the Bible says that Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet,” it means she was a disciple, learning form the Master Teacher. This is when the student learned the ways and teaching of the Rabbi. Mary had chosen “that good part” over working at that time.
Are you sitting at Jesus’ feet, or are you working all around Him and “distracted” from that “good part?” There is a time to work, but there must be a time of discipleship, of relationship. No matter how well intentioned your work, make sure to take time and choose the “good part” in each day.
Bro. Parks