Mary vs. Martha

Intention: 

1. an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.
2. the end or object intended; purpose.

Question>
What would happen if we became More Intentional in our Relationships (i.e. with God/Spouse/Kids/Ministry/Business)?

Intentional is a word that has been burning in my heart for the past two weeks.  I have a confession to make...I must admit to you that being a wife, a mother, a pastor, and an entrepreneur has seemingly pulled me away from my very own relationship with God.  I (just like you) have a lot on my plate, and I can't help but feel like the last few weeks of my life have been wandering aimlessly by.  

Why am I feeling this way you might ask?  I have come to the realization that I have become more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ Himself.  In other words, I am quick to serve others (via my family, ministry, or business) in the name of The Lord...but when was the last time I just stopped to worship God simply for who He is?  

Luke 10:38-42 (The Message) 

Mary and Martha

38-40 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me?
 Tell her to lend me a hand.”

41-42 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it
—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

Jesus described Mary's actions as "Essential" and "The Main Course" in verse 42.  Let me ask you, What good is hosting a Dinner Party (doing all the work that comes along with that) and not having the main course?  On the other hand, what good is it for us to have The Main Course and nothing else...nobody to serve it to?  We can all learn something from these two sisters. 
I must admit, it pained me at first to realize that I have subtly become Martha instead of the Mary I once was.  At one point in my journey, I didn't have as many responsibilities and all I did was sit at the feet of Jesus (just like Mary).  But now I find myself on the other end of the spectrum, I have become so focused on serving others. Neither one of these are bad things or sin, however I just can not be so focused on serving that I lose sight of the one that I serve. The answer, my friend, is that dreaded word 'Balance'.  There is a time to sit and there is a time to serve.  Neither one of these women were wrong in what they were doing or their motive for doing it.  

I (personally) can not ONLY SIT, nor can I ONLY SERVE. So it is a must that I find the proper balance between the two. Now that I am a wife and a mother of four in ministry with my own business, I have to make time for God.  If I don't make time for God, then how else am I going to be everything that I need to be?  I don't ever want my service to become all about me.  How else can I serve?

I have to become more Intentional in my relationship to Christ, then He will take care of the rest.  You may be the same or you may need to become more Intentional to serving others.  Where ever you are:
 I pray that the Holy Spirit would blow on the embers of our heart for Christ and that God revives our vibrancy for Him once again.  Set our hearts ablaze for You, Oh God, and don't allow us to become complacent either in worship or service to you again.  Open our eyes to see things from Your perspective, and help us to find the proper balance that is vital for us to continue to serve/worship You in Jesus' Name - Amen!