I recently purchased a battery-operated lawn mower. There are lots of things to like about this new mower, it is easy to start, just push a button, no pulling a cord and dislocating a shoulder.
The lawn mower is quiet compared to my old gas mower. However, there has been a time or two that I couldn’t finish the lawn because I ran out of battery. Recharging the battery takes some time, usually a couple of hours, so I could not finish mowing until I had power again.
Each of us has numerous items that require regular recharging, cell phones, tablets, cameras. Cordless battery-operated devices like leaf blowers, vacuum cleaners, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and keyboards seem convenient and timesaving, don’t they? No wires or cords to deal with, what a wonderful improvement, until our forgetfulness or carelessness leaves us holding a useless tool because it has no power. There is no device that powers itself, everything requires a source of energy from outside. Including ourselves.
Jesus reminds us we need to take time to feed and nourish our spirit, to be recharged. We each have access to a source of energy that empowers and enables us to do what we are made to do. That power, that energy source is Jesus Christ, without him, we can do nothing. Jesus said he is the vine; we are the branches, and we must remain connected to bear fruit (John 15:5).
Jesus was very cognitive of his need to spiritually recharge. The scriptures describe how Jesus frequently went off to a quiet place to pray, a time of spiritual recharging which enabled him to deal with the daily challenges he encountered, the disciples, crowds of people, as well as contentious religious leaders.
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus shared a real-life object lesson using the example of two sisters, Mary & Martha. "Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Have you ever been so busy you ran out of power because you neglected to "plug-in" to the Source (God)? As the story of Martha and Mary illustrates, Martha was busy, preparing for Jesus and His companions. Mary, on the other hand, was found sitting at Jesus' feet listening to Him. Jesus pointed out that Mary had chosen what was best. Avoid the temptation of burying yourself in activities which don’t leave time for personal spiritual nourishment and growth.
When we don't take time with God to get spiritually recharged, we will be running on our own power, and it will be depleted quickly! Daily "plugging-into" God's Word, and a time of prayer is essential if we as Christians want to be usable in God's hands. Discipline yourself to re-charge your spiritual battery regularly whether in prayer, scripture reading or gathered with other believers in worship.
We can also be recharged by spending time doing things that recreate energy and enthusiasm for each of us. It may be hobbies, a sport, crafts, or games. Whatever recharges you emotionally make time for it. Also allow yourself time to play, and to laugh. Pastor Rick Warren says, “Laughter is a load lightener, an emotional recharger, and a love rebuilder.”
Be intentional about getting spiritually refreshed, renewed, and revitalized. It is important to get "plugged-in” to God, when you do you will no longer be running on your own power, but on God's! Being empowered by God means we will have a sense of peace and perseverance as well as be filled with the Holy Spirit. Make a point to get “plugged into God” regularly, it will make all the difference for you.
Word in Faith is a collaboration of Wayne Association of Congregations and Ministers (WACAM), an organization partially funded by the Wayne Community Chest.
