John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Many of us are wondering, what is the most important thing God the creator expects from us? My answer is "Intimacy with Him". One time God spoke to me in my heart, "Tom, I want your heart more than your service to me." He said, "once I have your heart, I can live through you and let My plan be accomplished through you. It is not about you doing for Me, it is about you letting Me live through you; you can do nothing without Me. My plans and purpose through you are higher and greater than you can even dream about." That day I understood that God wanted my wholehearted attention towards Him, more than my service to Him. It really changed my Christian life, once and forever.
Jesus reminded me the incident in the Bible where He talks about Mary and Martha. Mary has chosen the good part - her wholehearted attention towards Him; while Martha was worried about much service (Luke 10:40). Remember Mary also did service to Jesus, but Martha was worried about much service. God expects service that is originated from our intimacy with Him. You can see three types of Christians; "Martha Christians", who are worried about their service to God, and "Mary Christians", who are constantly at the feet of Jesus waiting for His guidance to take their steps, the third group I would like to call "Martha-Mary Christians". I believe that the second group is highly productive and efficient in the ministry because they are moving with the plan of God. The first group is very busy and less productive and burned out with the burdens of their ministry towards God. The third group is actually the worst enemy to the kingdom of God, Jesus call them "Lukewarm" Christians [Rev 3:16-19], unfortunately majority of the christians are in the third category, and Jesus would like to spit these lukewarm Christians out of His mouth.
May be this devotional be an awakening call to you. Which group do you belong to? If you identify yourself as a Martha Christian or a Martha-Marium Christian, you need a paradigm shift in your thinking. You must dig deeper into the perfect work of Jesus on the cross, let your mind rest on Him and His work on the cross; and as a result, your life and ministry with Jesus will be easy and light.
Understand the secret behind the great ministry of Apostle Paul from the two verses down; yet not I, but Christ
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Apostle Paul gave all the credit of his ministry success to Jesus, the Grace of God. His intimacy with Jesus was the secret of His success. Apostle Paul was very confident that he laboured more abundantly than many others who criticize him. His high energy, high productivity, high impact ministry was because of his intimacy with Jesus.
Galatians 2:19-20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
My friend, if your dream is to be used by God, go to Jesus and submit your will to Him. Jesus is calling you - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Are you resting in HIM? If you are, His Yoke is easy and His burden is light.