Are You Busy? By Mayada Naami
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
(Luke 10:38-42, NIV)
As we start this new year, ask yourself, “Am I too busy to spend time with the Lord?” Many of us hit the floor running as soon as we wake up every morning. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in a day to get all the things we need to do, accomplished in a day. I just attended a conference at my Church where Derwin Gray, a guest speaker at the conference said, “Busy is “Being Under Satan’s Yoke.” Just like that it hit me. The world we live in today is so “busy” that we get distracted, like Martha, and forget Who really matters. Jesus says to Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only me.”
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5, NIV)
We are an extension of Jesus; He is our core being. Apart from Him we can do nothing, like a branch cut off from the vine, we will surely die. In 2 Corinthians 4, the Bible says, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.” Still today, we can see the influence of the ruler of this world on the ideals, philosophy, opinions, and view of many people. His influence also encompasses businesses, schools and even some of our Churches. His lies and deceptions have penetrated the minds of people who are too “busy” to spend time reading the Word. Reading Scripture morning and night is the best defense against the enemy’s attack on our minds.
We have a growing mental health crisis in the United States, and I believe it is directly linked with our “busy” lives. Parents are so busy that our children are not getting the love and fellowship that God intended. Money is a driving factor for parents working long hours, while kids are home fending for themselves. This year decide to spend more quiet moments with Jesus and your loved ones and do not be under Satan’s yoke.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.“
(Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV)
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Our POP Blog is taking a short vacation after today. We will be back with all new blogs on Saturday, January 28th. Have a blessed week!