Relationship or Service: Which one should we prioritize?

Serving within purpose is a crucial part of your Christian journey and although serving is important, it can distract from the overall goal; having an active relationship with God.

There is nothing wrong with going all-in when it comes to the things God has called you to do, but it becomes an issue when those things take priority over actually spending time with God.

Luke 10:38-42 in the Bible demonstrates a perfect example. In the passage, Mary and Martha take different approaches when Jesus visits their home.

On one hand, Martha is busy with dinner preparations, while on the other, Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching.

Luke 10:38–42 — New Living Translation (NLT)

³⁸As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

⁴¹But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! ⁴²There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Based on Jesus’ response, he was unphased by all of the services Martha was doing. He was pleased with a person who has a heart posture of surrender.

Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet is more than it appears to be. Symbolically, it means to be in devotion or worship to someone. To be wholeheartedly enchanted and enthralled by anything they might say or do.

It is a sign of respect. Mary was readily available for anything He would have asked of her. She was ready to listen and spend quality time.

Outside of our calling, God wants us to spend time with Him and cultivate an unbreakable bond. He wants us to have a heart posture of surrender to Him in all aspects of our lives, not just for His benefit but for ours as well.

Try not to let what He has assigned you to do on earth overshadow the steps needed to build a relationship with Him.

Remember, you are not alone if you struggle with this. When I first heard this message in Bible study from my youth pastor, Robert Strong, I was shocked by how much it applies to where I am currently at in my life.

I juggle work, college, and my internship, all of which, can pull me away from God if I let it. It is up to you and me to be intentional with prioritizing our time in this season.

Operating in service and purpose is beautiful, but it can turn sour when the source of that purpose is left behind.