Argh!

Once again, I was ripping out all the stitches on my sweater project. My work was all wrong according to the gauge, and when that happens— well let’s just say—things don’t turn out like they are supposed to. In my case, if I kept going, I would end up with something that wouldn’t fit. My only solution was to admit my mistake and start again, this time using the right gauge.

Gauge: something that could be used to measure or judge something else

Have you ever been working hard at life and found that you used the wrong gauge to measure how you were doing? I know I have. I have been caught up in tasks and feeling overwhelmed with everything I have to do.

We live in an accomplishment driven world. When asked about who we are, we often answer with what we do—a parent, a teacher, an entrepreneur, an artist, etc. When asked about how we’ve been, the word ‘busy’ is on our lips. Sound familiar?

So, how is your spiritual life going?

You know, the one you share with God. Do you answer with who you are in ministry or what you are doing to serve? There again, we like titles and accomplishments. They’re tangible. When was the last time you answered that question with, “I have been spending a good deal of time sitting at the feet of Jesus?” Perhaps never.

Perhaps a new gauge is in order.

There is a story in the Bible about a gal named Martha. Maybe you have heard of her. Check out her story here. She was a close friend of Jesus, providing hospitality to Him and His entourage when they came to town. Martha was good at what she did, and she filled a role that was needed. You might even say it was her calling.

There did come a day when she was a bit overwhelmed with the preparations for an event that was happening. I can identify. Just before everything comes together, there seems to be a moment when it feels like it’s just too much. Do you know what I’m talking about? Martha’s solution was to demand that Jesus do something.

Here’s Jesus’s answer, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Luke 10:41 NI

I’m sure Martha is thinking, “Yes, and what is needed is for someone to help me!” But that is not what Jesus was referring to. That one thing she needed was to spend time with the Guest of Honor. She, like many of us who have gotten busy doing many good things, had forgotten Who the party was for. Have you been there?

How IS your spiritual life going?

As you think about your answer, consider what you are using to measure it with. The best gauge to set your life to has nothing to do with accomplishments, status, or giftedness. That’s the world’s appraisal of success, and boy, do they ever keep us distracted. Jesus says time spent with Him is BETTER than anything.

With that in mind, perhaps it’s time to start fresh, using a new gauge to measure what’s important. The thing is, when we get that in order, we feel less overwhelmed because we have invested in something better—time spent with Jesus. With our spiritual lives intact, life seems to fit better. It’s worth the time to make it right.

If you’re wondering where to start, reading the Bible stories of Jesus found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is a good place. Then, if you want to go deeper, my last post No Connection contains a method of Bible study that I have found very effective. It is my prayer that you make space to meet with Jesus regularly. There’s nothing better than sitting at His feet.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17