Stepping Stones: God Doesn’t Fit in a Doggie-Bag!

Transformational Thought

I am a carb lover. Don’t get me wrong, I love meat too. But give me anything made out of dough and I am in heaven … cake, pasta, perogies, homemade bread, rolls, doughnuts, raw cookie dough, and pie crust.

Not long ago we went to a Brazilian restaurant where they carve the meat straight off the skewer and right onto the plate. All you can eat … and I love it. But before they start parading out the meat, they send you to the salad bar with all kinds of breads, pasta salads, seafood salads … so many distractions from the main attraction. I had to stop and focus myself. What was I really there for … the incredible MEAT … I needed to tell myself ”focus!” and resist the distractions.

In Luke 10:38-42 the Bible describes a woman who gave in to distractions. Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha, wanting to be a good hostess, was working herself into a frenzy in the kitchen while Mary remained at Jesus' feet, absorbed in His teaching. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister not helping, he responded that Mary had chosen the essential thing … time at the feet of Jesus.

Martha was doing good things, but she became so engrossed with these appetizers and cheap fillers, that she neglected what was most important. Then she got stressed and whiney because someone else was eating the ultimate, rich main course … quality time and learning with Jesus.

We are all busy doing stuff, some of it good and some bad. Is your attention and time so focused on the appetizers that you neglect spending time with Jesus? Do you eat some appetizers with the intention of getting to the main course of God and Jesus, but are then too stuffed to take in the spiritual nourishment you crave and need? God is not to be put in a doggie-bag and taken home as a leftover to be re-heated when convenient. Don't let anything interfere with your regular time with God and Jesus … in His Word … in prayer … and in worship.

Today, examine your schedule and priorities. Choose the main course and don’t get distracted with the appetizers or the desserts. Fill up on the nourishment that is meant to sustain you now and forever. Are you making time for God? Are you motivated by your relationship with God? If not, you are filling up on scraps … and your joy and peace will reflect that. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that I tend to be like Martha. I get so caught up in my "to-do's" that I sometimes neglect spending time with You. Help me to refocus … to choose the main course. Give me discernment regarding the things that so closely mimic the real thing, but lead me astray. Help me build and tune my spiritual radar to Your frequency so I understand how sustaining and valuable Your nourishment is to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One whom you sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.
Luke 10:42