We should not let anything get in the way of our time with God - including ministry. Most of us are busy serving in our local churches and working unto the Lord; however, that is no substitute for a relationship with God. Martha and Mary had very different views about this subject.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
(Luke 10:38-42)

Martha was busy serving guests while Mary, undistracted, sat at Jesus' feet and listened to everything He said. When Martha saw this, she asked Jesus to require that Mary get up and help her. But instead, Jesus gently rebuked her for placing more value on service than on relationship.

Maintain Your Relationship With God
What happens when we become distracted and overly occupied by our service to God? We spend less time with Him, which cuts into our supply of His love, power, abundance and wisdom.

In other words, our batteries become drained because we begin running or living on our own power instead of His. That's when our flesh (our desires and agendas) get in the way of God's will and purpose for our lives. Before we know it, we're back to square one.

However, by maintaining our relationship with God, we remain plugged into the ultimate and most reliable source of power. It is at those times that we are able to handle anything that comes our way. I believe that if Martha had joined her sister as she sat at Jesus' feet, wisdom would have directed her to set up a buffet line at which everyone could serve himself!

We must not allow our service to distract us from being with God. Service does not determine how much we love God - our obedience does. Service is just another avenue whereby we can express love for God.

Jesus told Martha to stop putting her service before her obedience: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and you're troubled about many things; there is need of only one thing, and Mary hath chosen that good part..." (vv. 41-42 NKJV).

It is only by spending time with God that we can be effective in serving and loving Him. The most anointed men and women in the world talk to God constantly. They sit at His feet and listen to every word.

If you desire to walk in the God kind of love, make a quality decision to maintain your relationship with Him. It's only by dwelling in His presence that you will find everything you need to live a prosperous, happy and successful life. Discover what it means to be a true reflection of His love, and make an eternal mark in the lives of millions.

Source: Lord, Teach Me How to Love by Creflo A. Dollar Jr.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers