Being a doer and being someone who knows when to rest. Most of us will fall into one category. Some people are constantly doing, we always have a task and are busy at all times. Rest may not come naturally to these people. Doing is what gives you energy and serving others is something you love. And each of these characteristics are great; they make you who you are. But there are other people who are aware that there are times when it is important or even necessary to rest. Rest may look different to each individual but they see rest as an important part of life. They can thrive in rest and gain from it. But sometimes “doers” do not see the importance of rest.
In the Bible there is the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10: 38-42). Martha was a “doer”. Mary knew when it was important to rest. Mary knew that when Jesus came to visit them that it was important to rest in His presence, to sit with Him and listen, to send quality time with Him. Martha however, did not. She was too busy with all the preparations that had to be made for her guest, Jesus. Martha was being a “doer”. But Jesus tells her that Mary has made the right decision by sitting with Him, listening to His teachings and relishing the time in His presence. She choose to spend quality time with Jesus, just as we would choose to spend quality time with family or close friends.
But how often do we neglect to spend that real quality time with Jesus and our Heavenly Father and become our very own versions of Martha? Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen right. How often do we choose wrong by continually doing for Jesus but not spending that intimate and quality time with Him? This month I have learned that I am “Martha”. I am constantly doing for God but at times neglecting to spend quality, intimate time with Him. I get uneasy when I am not doing; I find it difficult to truly rest in His presence. I discovered through a one-on-one with my squad leader, Kaylaynn, that I am not used to resting in Him. This reality that I am a “Martha” has also affected how I view my identity in Christ. At home I have specific purposes in church. These purposes and titles have become very important to how I view my identity in Christ. It’s like a checklist; I am a senior band member, I help lead worship, I teach theory, help with youth group, sing vocals with the girls, go as a counsellor to music camp. And although these activities are all important and help to further the Kingdom, they are not my identity in Christ. Our identity in Christ in not based on how much we do or the activities we are involved in. Our true identity in Christ comes first and foremost from who He specifically tells us we are in the Bible. Now, don’t misinterpret my words. Our works we do for God are extremely important in showing His love, being His hands and feet and furthering His Kingdom. But they are NOT what gives us our identity in Him. Our identity has already been given to us. We have to choose to believe in that identity and embrace the meaning that has for us in each of our lives. Each Christian’s works for God will look different depending on our personalities, our likes and dislikes, but our true identity in Christ is the same for everyone. My hope is that this year I will learn to live fully in that identity that Christ has given to me and that I will learn to be a “Mary”, to rest in His presence. That identity of being a Child of God, that gives me WORTH! My works may look different each day but my identity in Christ will NEVER CHANGE! Make time to spend quality, intimate time with Jesus. Don’t always be a “Martha”, learn to be a “Mary” for some time each day.
Identity in Christ:
John 1:12
John 15:15
Romans 8:15-18
Galatians 4:4-7
Jeremiah 1:5
Psalm 139:13-16
John 3:16-17
1 John 3:1
James 1:17
Romans 13:14
Colossians 3:3
2 Corinthians 7:10
Psalm 103:10
