Be Empowered To Serve Through Rest

“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.” Luke 10:40 NKJV

For a long time, I believed that investing our time and resources in serving others should be done every waking moment of our lives. And so we rest so we can serve all over again. I believe this is one culprit responsible for workaholism.

Due to how work is rewarded, this form of service has become the norm. It’s also why many of us are distracted from what truly matters – fellowship.

When your spouse or children complain about you not being around, you possibly find an excuse for that, after all, you’re working and serving them so they have all they need.

When you choose to spend more time rendering service to God through your career or the platform of religion, you feel that service brings you closer to God when all He wants to do is speak with you.

I believe words are not used loosely in the Bible. To be distracted is to focus on what we shouldn’t focus on. This was the case with Martha. While service is good, we can’t always be serving. This is why Christ commended Mary’s approach. Mary also knew how to serve, otherwise, Martha would not have requested her presence. But at that moment, rest was also important.

In this context, rest is not the solitary Netflix and chill approach, but a medium of fellowship. To Martha, Mary was resting and “doing nothing”. To Mary, she took a break from serving to fellowship – to spend time with the One whom she’s always serving.

We know some days are peculiar, but when was the last time you didn’t rush through your quiet time with God to zoom off and continue fulfilling your calling? After all, you’re serving God, right?

The economic depression will sometimes cause you to fear where your next meal will come from, but when was the last time you created memories with the people you claim to work hard for, whether that’s your spouse, children, siblings, parents, or friends?

We’re distracted by the results of high performance that we forget the influence that rest and fellowship have on how well we serve. Put off your work hat for a moment and experience what it means to not work.

Spend time with those you serve, whether that’s God or the people you care about. As you rest, you’ll discover unique ways to serve better.