Read:

Luke 10:39-42 “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.’”

Think:

Have you ever found yourself rushing out of the shower, hastily getting dressed for work because you're already running late? As you glance over, you notice your Bible sitting on the side table, seemingly staring at you, a reminder that you haven't opened it yet. The day hasn't even begun, and you already feel defeated. Guilt seeps in as you pull out of the driveway. Later, while scrolling through social media, you come across a post of someone's perfectly arranged leather Bible against crisp white sheets, accompanied by a mug with an inspirational verse.

It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our time with Jesus to others and assuming that their approach is the measure of effectiveness for our own spiritual journey. The point is not perfection but the pursuit of him. In Luke 10, we see the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy with various tasks and grew frustrated with Jesus and her sister. Jesus reminded Martha that the main thing is spending time with him. He desires our individual, unique hearts. Our devotion doesn't have to mirror everyone else's. Our quiet time with Jesus may shift and evolve in different seasons of life, but it should be present in every season. What matters most is cultivating a genuine relationship with him.

Jesus invites us to pursue him in our own authentic way. Our lives are not carbon copies of one another, and neither should our relationship with Jesus be. He wants to meet us exactly where we are, as we are. So, whether it's prayer during a busy day, listening to worship music during your commute, or finding solace in his Word before bed, the key is to pursue him with all your heart. Jesus desires a personal relationship with you. He sees your heart and meets you in your individual circumstances. Your time with him may not look picture-perfect, but what matters is the authenticity and sincerity behind it. Pursue him with passion, seeking his guidance, and allowing him to transform your life from the inside out.

Apply:

Release the pressure to conform and compare. Seek him with all your heart, no matter how your time with him looks in different seasons.

Pray:

Lord, I confess that I often compare my relationship with you to others and feel inadequate. Help me to let go of the pressure to conform and instead pursue you with passion and authenticity. In Jesus' name, Amen.