When I set my New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of this year, they were a little different. Most people resolve to do things — to get in shape, to travel, to become proficient at a new hobby. But I chose to take a different path. I recognized the amount of things on my to-do list was getting staggeringly out-of-hand, so instead, I resolved to stop doing as many things — an unorthodox New Year’s resolution, and one that has proved difficult to keep.

Look at what Jesus instructed the disciples to do in Mark 3. First, they were simply supposed to be with Jesus. Then, only after ample time with their Lord, they would be sent out to preach and drive out demons.

Yes, we as disciples are called to go into the world and spread the Gospel — but before we do, we need to place a priority on spending time with Him. For me, it was not allowing myself to do any work after 6 p.m. or all day Sunday, and also turning off my phone during these hours.

If you think about this, it makes sense. Just like the original 12, we can’t successfully go out and pour God’s love and truth into others unless we have first filled up on His love ourselves.

Maybe we should rethink the way we look at discipleship. Instead of focusing on doing, we can focus on simply being in His presence. We won’t be effective disciples unless we slow down and spend time with the One we are following.

Lord, help me to remember that you don’t glorify busyness — you employ words like “abide,” “rest,” and “dwell” to show me how I should live. Give me a desire to spend time with you. Amen.

Go Deeper — Think about how you can intentionally create space in your life to spend more time with God — and then do it. Allow ample time for prayer, Bible study, fellowship with mature believers, and periods of quietness to listen to His instructions.



Tags: Grow Mark 3
Photo Credit: Kenan Kitchen