Who are you occupied with?


Are you occupied with Jesus? Most Christians I know would answer in the affirmative, but the truth is; most of the times we are more occupied for Jesus and not occupied with Him. Being occupied with Jesus means spending quality time with Him in prayer–seeking His favor and direction; just like Mary, who sat at His feet attentively while He Ministered to her.

Once upon a time there were two sisters who loved the Lord more than anything else. One named Mary the other named Martha. Mary liked to worship and Martha liked to cook.

The Bible tells us in Luke 10:38-42 that one day: “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 busy in the kitchen preparing food. She became distracted and overwhelmed by all the preparations that had to be made. So she came to Jesus 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.”

Clearly, Martha had her priorities mixed up. She missed the opportunity to occupy herself with the Lord, by choosing the kitchen instead. Believers, do not be like Martha, be like Mary, who had her priorities in order. There is a time for everything under the sun.

Martha in the kitchen, serving with her hands,

Occupied for Jesus with her pots and pans,

Loving him—yet fevered,

Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, c. 1597

Image via Wikipedia

Careful, troubled Martha,Burdened to the brim,

Occupied for Him.

Mary on the footstool, eyes upon the Lord,

Occupied with Jesus, drinking in His words,

This the one thing needful, all else strangely dim,

Loving resting Mary

Occupied with Him.

So may we like Mary choose the better part?

Resting in His presence, hands and feet and heart,

Strengthened with His grace,

Waiting for the summons,

Eyes upon His face.

When it comes, we’re ready,

Spirit, will and nerve—

Mary’s heart to worship,

Martha’s hands to serve.

This the rightful order, as our lamps we trim:

Occupied with Jesus—

Then occupied for Him.

11 comments

    1. Thanks a lot Minister Glenda. You are an inspiration to me. I pray God will continue to bless you richly so that you will continue to bless other people like myself. Merry Christmas

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  1. “The truth is; most of the times we are more occupied for Jesus and not occupied with Him.” What a powerful statement. This is so true – many times we can be tied up in ministry and still neglect a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This can be so dangerous. Great Post – Eye Opener.

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    1. Thanks again for stopping by Surviving the Storm. My aim is to be like Mary–spend quality time with Jesus. God bless you richly

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  2. This poses an excellent question about the difference between occupying “for” Jesus, or “with Him”. I’m hoping and praying I do a fair job of overlapping the two! God bless you and your family!

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    1. Hello Caddo! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am profoundly grateful for your input. You are exactly right. The difference between occupied with Jesus and occupied for Jesus is stark. I hope I do a good job juggling the two. God blesses.

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