There are many things that those in church ministry have in common. If we could all sit together in a room, we’d all have similar stories to share of experiences we’ve had; serving in the church is a wonderful blessing and a high calling.
I think one thing we all may be hesitant to share, but is something we all have in common, is the tendency to get too busy as we serve. Church ministry can become a 24/7 job if we’re not careful. Whether you’re in the music ministry or another ministry in the church, you must guard against any busyness that interferes with your relationship with the Lord. Don’t ever let the busyness of ministry become your relationship with the Lord.
Jesus addressed this in Luke 10. Beginning in verse 38, it says that Jesus and his disciples went to the home of Martha and Mary. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to what He had to say. Martha was busy preparing a meal for Jesus and verse 40 says “Martha was distracted by all the preparations.” Can anyone relate to this? How often are we, in ministry, distracted by all the preparations? We’re busy getting all the details covered for the church service, making sure the songs are learned, all the parts are covered, and that everyone knows when to do what and where. All these details are in service to the Lord. Think about it, Martha was cooking a meal for Jesus. That would require her attention for her to present a delicious meal before Him. What an honorable service to cook for Jesus! But even in her service to her Lord, Jesus called her out. He was right there in her midst and she was so busy doing things for Him that she couldn’t just enjoy being with Him. That’s where the busyness of ministry gets in the way. Jesus told her, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”
You see, service is important and necessary, but don’t let the busyness rob you of a close walk with God. Don’t let your ministry replace the time that you spend sitting at His feet, enjoying His presence and listening to Him speak to you through His Word. The truth is, the more time you sit in His presence the more effective you’ll be in ministry.
There’s a great song titled Be Still and Know by Steven Curtis Chapman that speaks of this, sitting in His presence. Check it out and take the time to sit before the Lord. Don’t be distracted by all the preparations and details before you. God will empower you to do all you need to do when you choose what is better – sitting at His feet.
