RJ - The Better Part

Luke 10:38–42 NLT

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The Jug illustration - the oil is flowing, put it is hard to pour into a moving vessel

We cry, God fill me. while not taking the time to be filled

1. We confuse service for relationship

Serving God is important, but it’s not the same as knowing Him.

Martha in Luke 10 is the classic example—she was busy preparing for Jesus, while Mary sat at His feet. Martha thought her activity was the main proof of her devotion, but Jesus said Mary had chosen “the better part.”

2. Our culture rewards activity

From an early age, we’re taught that effort equals value.

When we apply that mindset to faith, we assume that more church involvement, ministry hours, or Bible studies must mean deeper spirituality.

But God measures closeness by relationship, not workload.

3. Doing feels measurable; intimacy is harder to quantify.

Tasks have checkboxes; intimacy with God is harder to quantify.

Reading three chapters, serving in two ministries, or leading a small group gives us visible evidence of faithfulness.

Sitting in stillness, listening for God’s voice? It feels intangible, so we wonder if it “counts.”

You can’t serve from an empty tank, we serve/minister from the overflow

John 7:37–39 NKJV

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

4. We feel safer in the role of worker than beloved

Being loved by God requires receiving, and receiving makes us vulnerable.

If we keep “doing,” we can stay in control and avoid the unsettling reality that we can’t earn His love—it’s given freely.

5. Doing distracts us from deeper heart work

Activity can be a way to avoid God addressing our fears, doubts, or sin.

If we keep moving, we don’t have to slow down and face what’s really going on inside.

We avoid the stillness for what we may discover - its never about exposure, but transformation

Sometimes, being still is the hardest thing to do.

Because to be still means:

· Facing your thoughts.

· Feeling your pain.

· Releasing your control.

· Trusting a God you can’t always see or feel.

But in the silence, God is working. In the waiting, He is shaping. In the stillness, He is speaking.

The enemy wants to keep you distracted—because he knows that a still heart is a surrendered heart.

We must Chose the better

1. Create space for stillness

Even just 5 minutes. No phone. No noise. Just you and God.

2. Breathe and surrender

Say, “God, I let go.”Release what you’re holding.

3. Listen, don’t strive.

4. Write what you hear. Scriptures, impressions, visions, feelings and thoughts.

Seek Him in the secret place, seek His fire and presence. Seek Him for His love and presence alone. Seek Him in humbleness and brokeness. You will not be disappointed.