The idea of "glorifying God" produces mental images of living a life that is pleasing in His eyes - or being "salt and light" to the world around us.(Matthew 5:13-16). It is our responsibility as Christians - something we "do" with and for Him. Most of us have very little trouble "doing" things for the Lord. We pray, visit the sick, teach Sunday School, feed the hungry, clothe the needy, help others whenever and wherever we can.
While this kind of service is praiseworthy, there is a danger we will soon take on more than we can handle, not in an effort to glorify Him, but to protect ourselves from getting too close to Him. It's the old "Mary vs. Martha" story all over again. (Luke 10:38-41) Martha was the doer, always waiting on others, seeing to their needs. But she wasn't happy in her service. The need to be in control and the need to please took precedence in her heart to the point where she refused to bask in Jesus' presence. This fear of intimacy is a prime deterant to "enjoying God."
Mary chose "the better" alternative. She spent her time in easy companionship with the Lord of the universe, listening to Him, making an affectionate and emotional connection with Him.
I recently heard a pastor's wife tell about her young daughter's devotions. Long after each family member finished praying during the family's worship time, the youngest daughter was still engrossed in her prayers. Wondering what her young child could possibly be praying about for so long, the mother asked, "Why are you taking so long to pray?"
"When I pray, Jesus comes to my door. I invite Him in and take his coat. Then I wash His feet. We go into the kitchen and He sits down at the table. Since He is my guest, I have the good china out and pretty flowers in the middle of the table. After we eat, I take him upstairs to my bedroom and show Him my baby dolls lined up on my bed." The child proceeded to describe the rest of the time she and Jesus spent together as she prayed.
To this precious child, Jesus was a friend, an intimate companion that she enjoyed spending time with each day.
When was the last time you spent time with God, just "being" yourself in His presence - enjoying Him?
Recently I have been busy writing for a new weekly online Christian magazine called Reflections. Visit Reflections for lots of great inspirational reading! Aslo if you are a Christian writer, be sure to take a tour of the wonderful writer's resources there.
God bless!
- Bonnie Winters -
