“…you are worried and troubled
about many things.
But one thing is needful…”
Luke 10:38-42
There’s so much to do.
So many things to try.
A lot to learn.
In this age of information, is it as easy for you to get inundated as it is for me?
Swept away by masses of ideas…tips…suggestions…advice…”how-to”s…
Websites devoted to helping us save money.
Blogs about how to raise godly kids.
Articles about how to love your spouse better.
Top recipes of 2013.
World’s best knitting patterns.
Ways to have a perfectly organized house by Thursday.
How to have an awesome figure by Friday.
Homeschooling tips and tricks.
How to make your own…anything.
And all of these are good things.
Helpful.
Appropriate.
Beneficial.
But as we’re navigating the overwhelming seas of good things, I’m afraid we sometimes overlook the best thing.
We forget that only one thing is needful.
Forever and always.
Time.
With.
Jesus.
And not in a “hurry up and finish so I can move on with the rest of my day without feeling guilty” kind of way.
But more like a “slow down and take time and really linger with the One who gave me this day in the first place” kind of way.
And maybe even a “this is what I want; this is what I need; and there is really nothing else I’d rather be doing” kind of way.
And here’s the thing I think we just get wrong sometimes…
(Or maybe it’s just me?)
Reading articles by godly people about improving my marriage is probably beneficial, but it isn’t the one needful thing.
Studying someone’s blog on theology is most likely educational, but it isn’t the one needful thing.
Perusing a book by an older, seasoned mom about godly parenting is almost always helpful, but it isn’t the one needful thing.
And you know what else? Reading about someone else’s walk with God isn’t the same as walking with Him ourselves.
(Noting that to myself for the next time I’m taken in by the beauty of Ann Voskamp’s words or the power of Lysa Terkeurst’s messages.)
So I want to tell you respectfully but rather plainly that I’d rather you not read my blog…
if you’re not also in the habit of doing the one needful thing.
No, this is not reverse psychology. It’s not mind games or manipulation.
It’s just me letting you know that I don’t want your time with me, reading my thoughts, considering what God has taught me in my walk with Him to ever, ever, ever be a substitute for what He wants to teach you.
Personally.
One-on-one.
Because there is no better text than God’s Word, and no better Teacher than the Holy Spirit.
And you know what? I don’t want to be content with leftovers from someone else’s spiritual nourishment.
And I don’t want you to be content with that, either.
More top posts about your relationship with God:
Missing: God’s personal care for you
Just to Be With Him: God’s number one priority for you
Wow I am speechless. May God bless your soul
He has blessed me richly, Monique! Thank you so much. I pray He blesses you with a spirit of wisdom and of revelation the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know the hope to which He has called you.
Really powerful message as I am committing myself to more time with Him. Sometimes I just hit delete on posts that come to my inbox because the sheer number of messages bombarding me through the internet tugs at my sinful soul. Thank you pointing us all to the only One who matters most in our lives. I pray you a deeper contentment in Him.
Hello, Valerie! The internet is an extremely powerful tool, isn’t it? Used wisely, it provides the possibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with multitudes of people, including those who don’t have other ways of hearing about Him. On the other hand, the truth can easily be outnumbered by the sheer volume of untruths and half-truths presented. Even Christians with beliefs solidly based in truth must be very careful about our internet use. Thank you for being an example of one who is careful of her time and attention, and who is aware of the One relationship that matters most. May He guard our hearts and keep us from stumbling, as only He can! Thank you for reading, friend.
Great advice!! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad it blessed you, Vickie! Thanks so much for reading.