Life just has a way of working out much smoother when we put first things first, and
get our priorities in the right order. In Luke 10:41,42 (The Message), Jesus is visiting the home of His dear friends Mary and Martha. As Martha rushes about exerting extra effort to make the Master and His guests feel honored and comfortable, her sister Mary sat at Jesus' feet, hanging on His every word. Before long, Martha became frustrated over her sister's lack of assistance, and she went to Jesus and urged Him to tell Mary to get up and help. The Master said, "Martha, Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. First things first! Mary has chosen wisely - it's the most important part, and it won't be taken from her. Is Jesus saying that working and paying attention to the practical things in life are unimportant or less spiritual than hanging out with Him? No. He is just putting things into proper perspective: First things first! The one thing our entire life should be built on, centered around, and directed by is an ongoing, on-fire relationship with Jesus. Period. Nothing else is as important. Our ongoing relationship with the Son of the Living God sets the main course for our lives like the current of a river. When anything else takes first place and sets our pace, we will eventually fall flat on our face. But when seeking Christ is priority, everything else falls into place - all our needs are met and we have wisdom for every decision, (Matthew 6:33). Does this mean you and I need to be on our knees, in a church, or reading the Bible 24/7? No. We just need to live life connected to Christ.
If you have never really given the Lord first place in your life, do so. Start by giving Him the first part of your day. Take the first five, ten, twenty or more minutes after you're fully awake and give Him your undivided attention. You can read, pray, sing or sit quietly in His presence. As you spend time with Him, He'll lead you on what to do (see Proverbs 3:5,6; Philippians 2:12,13). Then invite Him into the rest of your day. You'll be amazed at how He multiplies your time, directs your decisions, and brings fulfillment to your life.
Our Father wants intimacy with His children.
He wants to talk to us...to listen to us...to just be with us...
