The Essential Of First Things

“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

Dear Ones:

Life can be a very complicated and oppressive mass of confusion with regard to purpose, philosophy, and means of living.  If we are to be able to put our foot down through the waves, and gain our footing on solid ground, we MUST have God’s perspective.  So, according to the Bible, what IS the great priority, the great “first thing?”

In the story of Martha and Mary, we see Martha “…careful and troubled about many things.”  There is no doubt that Martha’s motives and intentions were good, as she was serving those who accompanied the Lord Jesus.  Her preoccupation with service was to the point that she was overwhelmed by the need, having neglected the primary thing.  When we see Mary in this scenario, she is sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His words.  What is this “choice” that Mary has made, that “…will not be taken away from her?”  It is the knowledge of God, communicated to her in Jesus’ words.  Mary’s choice is the “first thing.”

When the Apostle Paul wrote the great chapter on love in 1 Corinthians 13, he began with the same issue of service as opposed to the personal knowledge of God.  He speaks of being gifted to serve, having faith to accomplish great feats, sacrificing in order to feed the poor, and even giving one’s own life (body) for the Lord’s sake.  And yet, Paul writes, that,”… if I do not HAVE NOT love, …I am nothing, and it profits me nothing.” (v.2,3)  We see here that we can “serve” and “give,” but if we are not in a place in our fellowship with God where we HAVE, and KNOW the love of God, then, it is all in vain.

In the book of the Revelation, the Lord addressed the church of Ephesus in a letter. He recognizes their zeal, work, patience and determination to do that which is right.  And yet, He would say to them, “I have somewhat against thee….because thou hast left thy FIRST love.” (Rev. 2:4)  How can one serve the Lord to the point of exhaustion, and be told that one had abandoned the first thing?  What is that first thing?  It is the personal and profound fellowship with Christ experienced by worship, sitting at His feet, hearing His word. There can be NO neglect of this.  This is why Daniel, even facing the consequence of death for his actions, continued to pray three times a day.  He would not be deprived of fellowship with God.

Service and activity can displace communion with God.  And yet, let us remember that we are to be “…always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58)  How do we reconcile this matter of communion with service?  It begins in the quiet hour with God, that place of certain good, where God communes with us, and we with Him.  Out of that communion in the Spirit, founded in the Word of God, the Lord Jesus teaches us how to walk with Him, and how to serve Him.  We can never serve Christ beyond the limits of our communion with Him.  We are to WALK in the light, by the Spirit, before Him, in all of life. It begins in the quiet place with Him.

Dear Father, teach us the necessity of practicing the first thing…for it will NOT be taken away from us.  And from that aloneness with Thee, lead us forth in fellowship with Thyself to serve Thee in the will of God for thy glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love, Dad