The Excuse of Busyness

The Excuse of Busyness: Prioritizing What Truly Matters

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become consumed by the demands of daily life. We rush from one task to another, often feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. Amidst this whirlwind of activity, it’s tempting to use “busyness” as an excuse to neglect our relationship with God. This article explores the dangers of misprioritizing our time, resources, and hearts, drawing wisdom from the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 and other relevant Scriptures.

The Story of Mary and Martha: A Lesson in Priorities

The account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 provides a powerful illustration of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God:

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'”

Martha, though well-intentioned, became consumed by the tasks of hospitality, while Mary chose to simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his teaching. Jesus’ gentle rebuke of Martha highlights a crucial truth: Spending time with God is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is the “one thing” that is truly needed, the “good portion” that will not be taken away.

Misprioritization of Time: The Argument Against Spending Time with God

In today’s busy world, many argue that they simply don’t have time for spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Responsibilities, work, and social obligations often crowd out time that could be spent nurturing our relationship with God.

The Deception of Busyness: This mindset, however, is a deception. While our responsibilities are important, neglecting our spiritual lives ultimately leaves us depleted and unfulfilled. Psalm 127:2 reminds us, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” God desires to give us rest and to be our strength, but we must prioritize time with Him to receive these gifts.   

Misprioritization of Money: The Argument Against Tithing

The principle of prioritization extends beyond our time to our finances. The argument against tithing often stems from a perceived scarcity of resources or a prioritization of other financial obligations.

Tithing as an Act of Faith: Tithing, however, is an act of faith and obedience. It’s an acknowledgment that all we have comes from God and a demonstration of our trust in His provision. Malachi 3:10 challenges us: “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'”   

Misprioritization of Heart: The Argument for Worldliness

The contrast between Mary and Martha also reveals a deeper issue: the orientation of our hearts. Martha’s focus on the practicalities of hosting, though not inherently wrong, distracted her from the precious opportunity to be in Jesus’ presence. This mirrors the temptation to prioritize worldly concerns—success, comfort, pleasure—over spiritual growth.

Seeking First the Kingdom: Matthew 6:33 provides a clear directive: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into its proper place.

The Truth: Everything We Have Is by God’s Grace

It’s essential to remember that everything we have—our families, jobs, finances, health, and even our very breath—is a gift from God. James 1:17 states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”   

Responding to Grace: Given the immense sacrifice Jesus made for us (John 3:16), is it too much to ask that we dedicate time to Him each day? He is never too busy for us. He gave us the gift of time to use wisely, including a day of Sabbath rest for spiritual rejuvenation (Exodus 20:8-11).

Practical Application: Honoring God with Our Time and Hearts

Honoring God doesn’t always require strenuous effort. Sometimes, it simply means being still, acknowledging His presence, and enjoying the silence with Him. There’s a time for active prayer and focused Bible study, but there’s also a time to simply rest in His presence, as Mary did.

Setting Our Hearts Right: Spending quiet time with God, even if it’s just a few minutes, can be exactly what we need to re-center our hearts and priorities before we engage in service or other activities.

Choosing What is Better

The excuse of busyness is a trap that can rob us of the abundant life God intends for us. By recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, and by prioritizing our time, resources, and hearts accordingly, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that come from choosing “what is better”—a deep, abiding relationship with our Lord. He’s never too busy for us. He made time for us, even the cross. Let us not despise a few minutes each day to sit at His feet and listen, as Mary did. As the lyrics of “King of Kings” by Hillsong remind us, Jesus went out of His way for us, enduring suffering and death so that we might have life. He is never too busy for us. Let us, therefore, not be too busy for Him. Let’s prioritize what truly matters, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of those He is calling us to reach with His love.