Never Alone

My insurance agent did not seem to mind when I snapped a photo of this oddity by his desk. Either I don’t know what is vital in the field of home, life and auto, or I may not be in good hands. I’m not one to be easily confused, but I thought the “vital data” would go in a file, hard drive, or fire-proof lock-box.

There is truth in the saying that a fool is someone who knows the price tag of everything but the value of nothing. Even in the world of Christianity, we become confused about the many things shouting for our attention verses the “one thing” worth the investment of a life.

You might toil and nudge that “B” grade into an “A,” get that bonus at work, or just one more degree, but what Jesus considers vital is His presence in our heart. In all the busyness of life in the Southern California fast lane, the story of Mary and Martha serves as a reality check.* If there was a big project to accomplish, filled with pressure and organizational details, Martha was on the job. After all, if you want to get things done, it’s best to enlist busy people, right? Martha was working hard to do all the right things and to do them perfectly. Mary, on the other hand, was fascinated by the words and presence of Jesus. As Mary sat at His feet, not unkindly, Jesus affirms that she has chosen the one thing that really matters – time spent sitting at His feet.

In the midst of life in the fast lane and the pursuit of promotion and performance, I hear Jesus’ gentle voice saying, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:31) And again I hear Him say, ““Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus desires the presence of our hearts more than the produce of our hands.

Sometimes the meaning of words change through the generations: bad means good, and cool means hot but, in this story, vital still means vital . . . like vital signs and vital organs and vital data.  What’s the one thing worthy of the investment of your life? Knowing Jesus. Hear His invitation to come away to a quiet place today and rest. Now that really is vital, isn’t it?

Pastor Steve

*Luke 11:42