Why your service to God is getting in the way of your devotion to God and what you can do about it.

Some of the most exhausting seasons in my life just happened to correspond with some of the most productive seasons, doing good in the world.

Applying to my own context - In the last 33 years of serving in the church, there have been seasons where I spent less and less time actually getting to know God because I was spending more and more time ministering in the name of God. It was depleting, exhausting and in some days, frustrating. I was busy working for God but not really working with God. I was trying to giving away something that I was no longer growing in my own life.

You could (and I will) say that my service to God was getting in the way of my devotion to God.

It’s an amazing paradox really. It’s a ministry paradox. The prophet Jeremiah (known as the weeping prophet, btw) would say that when we do this, we abandon God and try to draw water from empty and eventually broken well (Jeremiah 2:13). That's some tough language! He asserts that it's just not going to happen. Not only that, it actually may do some damage in our lives making us bitter rather than better. And yet, if you served in any kind of season of intensity, you're probably shaking your head in agreement and wondering what to next time you are confronted with this reality.

Here is what you can do about it? And please note, it's easier said than done.

Here it is - Rearrange your priorities immediately!

Priority #1: Commit to give God the first part of your calendar, resources, and energy. Our friend Mary models this in Luke 10:38-42. With so much work that needed to be done at home, she prioritized her time with Jesus, who just so happened to be a guest that afternoon. Apparently, the house was a bit sideways and messy. Things needed to get done. So, Martha cleaned frantically while Mary chose to put the work aside and sit and be with Jesus.

Was Martha frustrated she was getting no help from Mary? Yep. Will you frustrate people in your life by saying "no" from time to time, even though there is a lot to do? You may frustrate, but human history has proven the better and best version of YOU in on the other side of sitting first with Jesus and giving the rest of your busy self to the rest of us later. When prioritize time with Jesus first, you just might find that there is more of you to go around later. Seems to be the pattern.

Priority #2: I cannot allow my service to God to be stumbling block for priority #1 above. Decide right now that you won't let this happen. Think abou it. You make time for your physical breakfast. You make time for coffee. Should not a full heart be as much of a priority as a full belly? The answer is "YES!"

So, constantly look at your calendar and make sure you've scheduled time with God FIRST in your devotion time (as I call it). Whatever YOU call it, make sure it's happening. Make sure you are hearing from God (i.e. reading passages of the Scriptures, devotionals, etc). Then, Make sure you're talking to God (i.e. prayer, journaling, etc).

Again, if you knew the better and best version of your self was on the other end of this investment, would it move you to prioritize your time with God more regularly?

I cannot make many guarantees in this life, but this is one I'll go ahead and make.

So, put the burden back on Jesus. He actually invites us to do it. Check out Matthew 11:28-30 Not sure I could say it better than Jesus did. So, I won't. Just read the passage and try it on for size this week. Put it in your calendar and see what happens.

Peace and love. Paul