IS JESUS REALLY A PRIORITY?

I am currently reading a book called, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” by John Mark Comer. Let me tell you that it is a book you must read when you can. It exposes the toxicity of the busy and hurry culture we praise in today’s world. Everything is a go-go-go pace with cries of needing “more time,” but if we had more time, we would still fill it with other things to keep us busy. Comer quotes John Otberg in his book: “For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” What a simply profound truth. Our jobs and yearning for “getting the bag” have us settling for an unfulfilled life without Christ.

Isn’t it amazing how we say we love Jesus, but He’s always the first thing we sacrifice on the altar of life’s circumstances? If we’re low on money, our giving to the Lord is the first thing that’s cut. If we’re tired or busy, our time in prayer is the first thing that’s cut. We always expect Jesus to be “understanding,” while everything else is considered a greater priority. Yet, when we’re in trouble, we want the instant attention and response of the Lord. Comer stated: “You can chart Jesus’ life along two axis points: the busier and more in demand and famous Jesus became, the more He withdrew to his quiet place to pray. Usually, for us, it’s the exact opposite…In seasons of busyness, we need more time in the quiet place, not less, definitely not less. “

So many things have taken priority in our lives, leaving Jesus on the back burner. Our success status in the eyes of man has more of our investment. Adding more 0s in our bank account has more of our investment. Money and being wealthy should not be the driving force of our lives. Our value is not in those things. The economy can plummet tomorrow. The banking system could crash next week. All these materialistic things can be taken away from us in an instant. It is our relationship with Jesus that will be enduring. I love what 1 Timothy 6 admonishes…

 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Timothy 6:7-11 (KJV)

Even Jesus, who had the greatest demand of any man in the world, took time to be in the secret place. His communion with the Father never suffered at the hands of busyness. Even in ministry, if we are honest, we are guilty of equating our work for God with being with God. There is a difference. Our hands may work, but our hearts can be far from Him. We see it in this scripture passage…

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:22-23 (KJV)

What is our service to the Lord without a relationship with Him? How are we operating without the presence of Jesus? How can we pour from vessels that have not been filled with the power of Jesus? So many are doing ministry in their own ability and strength. We may be a “wonder” on earth, but are we known in the heavens? It is sad to think that many believe because they operate in gifts and callings [that come without repentance], they are in right standing with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus has more to do with “being” than “doing.” Being WITH Christ is far greater than anything we could ever do in our own power.

I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

⁴⁰ But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

⁴² But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:38-42 (KJV)

What Martha needed to do was not insignificant, but it was not a priority in the moment. She was a busybody than resting in the sweet presence of the Master. She maybe thought that her work would get her a golden star from Jesus. She maybe thought that if Jesus saw her working, He would acknowledge her hard work. Whatever her thought process was, it was not the right thing for this moment. Mary understood that although there was work, being with Jesus was more important. The work will still be there but this precious moment with Jesus being in the house was worth more. Many Marthas are running around in our world like a chicken with its head cut off. No sense of meaningful direction. Simply going through the cycles of work with no sense of fulfillment.

Today, we can choose to be a Mary and choose the good part that will never be taken away. Money comes, money goes, jobs come, jobs go, status comes, status goes, but one thing that can never be taken away is our relationship with Jesus. When we prioritize Him, life’s circumstances cannot sway us. Our life’s fulfillment is found only in Jesus. It is not in money, houses, or cars; it is in Jesus. May we not cut Jesus out of our daily schedules. May He always remain number 1.