Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!

Don’t worry. The title is not a mistake.  That’s exactly what I meant to write, “don’t just do something, stand there!”  For some reason when I create an unrealistic task list as I begin my day, and then miraculously accomplish it, I feel more productive and more successful as a leader.  Having an extremely busy schedule doesn’t necessarily make you more successful.

How often have I scheduled myself so thin that I don’t take time for what is most important?  I’m often a lot more like Martha than Mary.  Pay attention to the message in Luke 10:38-42.

As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word He said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 (The Message)

Jesus said, “One thing is essential and Mary has chosen it – it’s the main course!”  What’s the main course and more importantly, have you chosen it?  The main course is your time with Jesus.  He wants to speak to you, spend time with you, revive you and restore you.  However, you will never hear His voice until you take time to listen daily.

“But I don’t have the time!” 

Is that really all you have?  Out of all of the excuses in the world, that’s the one you choose?  Sending one more email, making one more phone call, reading one more blog, or checking Facebook/Twitter one more time will never be more important than your time with Jesus.  As Jesus said, “You are getting yourself worked up over nothing!”

I challenge you, schedule some time with Jesus.  Put it on your calendar.  Work around it. Protect it.  Be consistent with it.  Enjoy it!  It may not look the same everyday.  It may be time filled with prayer, singing, reading your Bible, journaling, walking and talking with Jesus, or just sitting in silence.  Regardless of what your time with Him looks like, what’s important is that you make time for Him.   The psalmist said it best, “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Don’t just do something, stand there!