One of the great dangers in living the Christian life is that we can get so busy in ministry, programs, and helping others that we forget to spend quality time alone with Jesus and in simple worship of the Lord. While ministry is important we must never forget that worshipping Jesus should be the priority in our walk with the Lord.
We see an excellent example of this in the story of Mary and Martha. (Luke 10:38-42) give us the following account: “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.’”
Here we see Martha practicing the task of hospitality, which in biblical times was very important. But Mary decided to take time out to just listen to Jesus. Her act of worship and meditation to the words of our Lord was commended by Jesus, for you see in this instance Mary understood that there is a time for ministry and a time for worship. And in this case her mind and heart was set on worship. So often Christians get so involved with ministry that they forget that our primary purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. And worship accomplishes both of these goals. First the act of worship always glorifies Jesus, and second, worship allows us to just enjoy being in the presence of the Lord. Sadly, it is possible to get so busy in helping others that we have little time left for our relationship with Jesus.
In another instance we see this same Mary showing an amazing act of worship. (Mark 14:3-9) relates the story: “While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.’ And they rebuked her harshly. ‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’”
Some have commented here just how much good a year’s wages could have done for the poor. But again, this misses the entire point. For you see opportunities to help the poor will always be available, but Jesus would be in their presence for only a limited time. It was in Mary’s heart to do something special for Jesus and this act of worship again was commented by our Savior.
Yes, we are called to ministry, but it must never crowd out worship. What we need to do is pray to the Lord for wisdom on how to balance out the two. And if this is your prayer, I guarantee the Lord will answer!