A few days ago I posted a post about my desperation to see God move in this nation. I have no doubts in my mind or heart that God is worth working for. He is worth every bit and seeing His kingdom come and the culture of heaven invade earth is a tremendous joy. There is one thing that is bigger than that though.
There is a passage that always has stuck with me. It is in the Gospels when Mary, the mother of Jesus brought her baby into this world. We get a snapshot of her coming to the realization that the Savior of the world just came forth into this world through her. In an extreme understatement it is recorded that, “Mary pondered these things in her heart.”
After Jesus was born He was taken to the temple according to Jewish tradition and a man by the name of Simeon prophesied that Jesus would do great things and then he turns to Mary and says, “and a sword will pierce your own soul too” (my paraphrase).
I am reminded that even if we have big things that God is going to use us for. Even if there are huge plans ahead, and big expectations for what is to come, all those things are great, but what is paramount is what God is doing within your own heart.
I read this blog post recently that talks about Billy Graham’s regrets as he looked back on his life. One of his regrets near the end of his life is that he would have spent more time with God growing in affection for Him and knowing Him deeper. That is provoking, isn’t it?
Jesus said this about the woman who was criticized for sitting at His feet, “one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” She was also the one who wasted a whole year’s wages at His feet and Jesus commanded His disciples to tell of her devotion to Him wherever they went.
Whatever I am doing in life, I will not compromise to let this be the one thing necessary. Before I love my wife. Before I make disciples. Before I eat what I need for the day, one thing will be before me, and that is to grow in my affection towards Him. There is nothing greater than to love God with all your heart, soul and mind.
I want to challenge you today with this question: Before you put anything else before you, are you sitting at His feet? Is your heart and mind growing in devotion to Jesus?
