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I love new beginnings. When Monday morning comes around, I like to sit down and scratch out to-do lists and errands to run, people to meet, things to write.
And here we are, at the beginning of a new calendar year! (I have yet to accidentally write 2014 yet, how about you? w00t!)
Now, you’d think with all of the spreadsheets, documents, and to-do lists, things would naturally be well prioritized. Remarkably, however, I can easily overlook the most important part: time with the Lord. I was reminded of this at a prayer meeting recently.
Many of us are familiar with the story of Martha and Mary, but sometimes the most simple and familiar lessons still escape us!
[su_quote]Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
And Jesus answered and said to her, “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.”[/su_quote]
You see, Martha was the one busily thinking things through, making lists, and checking off items. But Mary had chosen the good part. Spending time with Jesus. Not that it’s bad to work hard and organize, those are good things. But there is someone more important, Jesus.
In the very next passage, Luke 11, the disciples ask Jesus how to pray. It’s here that we find the model for prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. An example of how to come before the Lord.
First, begin with worship and submission. Then recognize our dependance upon Him. Repent of sins and ask Him to cleanse us. Ask Him for help. This can lead to petitions, intercession, or just time enjoying His love for us.
Whether it’s the beginning of the day, week, month, or year, let’s remember to keep the first things first. Let’s choose the good part like Mary. Let’s spend time in prayer, time in His presence.
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