RELATIONSHIP BEFORE SERVICE

RELATIONSHIP BEFORE SERVICE

Mark 3:14 “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach” (KJV). 

This verse recounts the initial calling of the 12 apostles. Jesus chose them so that they carry the gospel to all the corners of the world. However, before He released them to execute that mission, Jesus ensured that they stayed with Him first. He wanted them to know Him, learn His ways and be transformed into His image. 

In the passage, Jesus establishes an important spiritual principle – the priority of being (relationship) over doing (service). The disciples had to be with Him first before they did something for Him (preach). This implies that, for the Lord Jesus, being is more important than doing. Who we are for God is more important than what we do for Him. A transformed life that results from being with Christ is more significant than involvement in church or ministry activities. Relationship with God comes before the service we render to Him. 

Often, we get too carried with activities that we forget to build a life of fellowship with God through prayers and the study of His word; we fall in the trap of activism and miss developing a Christ-like character. Though service to God is good, we should be careful not to allow it take precedence over our relationship with God. It is an intentional, constant and vital fellowship with God that keeps us spiritually alive. Let us never forget that: being with God comes before doing something for God. 

Have a blessed day.