Be Still and Know

In my walk with the Lord, I’ve noticed that the “fire” that seemed to consume me initially has reduced to a steady simmer over time. The fire that I’m referring to is the passion I experienced as a new believer. Now before you get tempted to throw stones, let me explain further.

Do you remember when you first confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? I remember it like it was yesterday. I was like a freight train with no brakes. For me, it was Sunday School; Sunday morning worship service; Bible study; Board meetings; driving the Church van to transport members to and from Church. I became a Trustee. I joined three different choirs. I was at the Church when there were no services taking place, seemingly volunteering all of my free time to do whatever the Church needed – picking up trash that had blown onto the property; painting; you name it, I was doing it. Perhaps you can relate. I’m a Deacon now, providing the Pastor and the body of Christ with whatever assistance they may need. Still, I’m also responsible for producing the Church’s livestream (an initiative necessitated by the pandemic a few years ago, but we still stream every Sunday). There was no stopping me, or at least, that’s what I thought.

You may be thinking to yourself, “What’s wrong with volunteering your time and talents to the Church? Aren’t you glorifying God with your commitment to His house and His people?” You’re correct – there’s nothing wrong with being “busy” for the Lord. But consider this passage of Scripture in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 10 (ESV):

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

As you read the Bible, you will begin to see yourself in various individuals and events. After all, these are stories about real people who had real ups and downs. I must admit, however, that I’ve read that portion of Scripture many times, but I did not see myself in the story. That is until one of my fellow Deacons noticed I looked particularly stressed before an outreach event I led. “Jim,” my fellow Deacon said, “It’s not your responsibility to do everything. Don’t get me wrong; the Church needs your assistance here. But don’t get so busy for the Lord that you don’t make time for the Lord.” The Holy Spirit immediately opened my eyes to what my Brother was saying to me.

Good works are the outwork expression of a believer’s salvation, but the most important thing that we can do – that we must do - is to sit at the feet of Jesus. To read, to study, and to meditate on His word. To pray without ceasing. To know that our works come about as a result of our salvation and are not a requirement of salvation. To take the time to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for taking on our sins in exchange for His righteousness. To be bold and tell others about His death, burial, and resurrection. To share the gospel, telling others that true life can only be found in Him. And how does one learn to do these things? By consuming the Word of God daily. The Holy Spirit will teach you about Jesus and guide you on your journey of discovering God’s assignment for you. And know this: whatever that assignment may be, God will make it clear to you by giving you peace that surpasses all understanding. In the meantime, get involved in various initiatives at your Church. The body of Christ needs you, but don’t run yourself into the ground. Ask the Lord to continue leading and guiding you, and He will reveal your purpose to you.

God bless!