The new school year tends to immediately begin as a sprint—the calendar already seems full minutes after we turn the page from July to August.
One extremely important way we can respond to the hectic pace is to sit at the feet of Jesus. This is true for members of our congregations as well as our leaders, as we all face the temptation to say yes to new things without counting the cost.
We find a reminder of the importance of being with Jesus in the gospel story of Mary and Martha.
Jesus and His disciples came to Martha’s home where she lived with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus. While Jesus was teaching in the living room, Mary found space on the floor and sat at His feet.
She chose to be with Him. She listened intently.
When Martha discovered this, she expressed her frustration—Martha was working hard in the kitchen to get everything ready while Mary left her to sit with Jesus.
Jesus’s response?
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42 NKJV).
It is exceedingly difficult to accept this truth, so we need to be reminded over and over: So many of the things that are good and important in our lives are still less valuable than time with Jesus.
As you take time to be with the Lord today, pray alongside us for our church leaders, congregations, and communities:
“Lord, may our families, staff, and pastors get off on the right foot this school year by spending more time at Your feet. We pray against the temptation to constantly be busy. We pray for more moments of connection with You in the months ahead.”
Let’s journey together.
You don’t need to do ministry alone. You can find opportunities to connect, plus more content and conversations about church administration, at XP Summit: xpsummit.org.
