“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19 NIV)
In a world that celebrates activity and accomplishment, it is easy to believe that our value to God is measured by what we do for Him. We can become so focused on serving, teaching, leading, helping, and accomplishing that we forget the most important part of discipleship: being with Jesus.
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He did not begin with a list of assignments. His first invitation was simple: “Follow Me.” Before they would become fishers of people, they first had to become followers of Christ. Before ministry came relationship. Before service came surrender. Before doing came being.
The same pattern remains true for us today. God is not primarily looking for busy servants but for devoted disciples. Our effectiveness in serving Him grows out of our intimacy with Him. When we spend time in His presence, listen to His voice, and allow Him to shape our hearts, our actions become a natural overflow of His work within us.
Too often we ask, “What should I do for God?” when perhaps the better question is, “How can I walk more closely with God?” The fruit of faithful service is rooted in a life that is deeply connected to Christ.
Today, before you focus on what you can accomplish for the Lord, take time to simply be with Him. Let your service flow from your relationship, your ministry from your discipleship, and your work from your worship.
-- Adapted and expanded from the book “Side by Side,” Steve & Lois Rabey, General Editors
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