Relationship

God created us to be in relationship with Him, not out of loneliness or a desire for company, but because God loves us and wants us to share in that love.

It's sad, but often we find ourselves ignoring this relationship. We give God a tiny part of our busy days, maybe because we feel we don't have that much time to give, or we just don't want to pay much attention to God. And the longer we stay away from God, the harder it is to get close to God again.

That's not the way it's supposed to be. Our growing relationship with God should be the most important aspect of our lives. Listen to this: the Almighty God of heaven and earth wants to spend some time with us - with you and me! Like a good friend, God is eager to hear from us! God values our company. Can we really say we don't have space for God in our lives?

Martin Luther once said:"I have so much to do, if i don't pray for three or four hours first, it'll never get done." Of course, he said it in German, but you get the gist. Staying in touch with God isn't a luxury to be squeezed in if we have the time; it's an absolute necessity. Especially when we're feeling the time-stressed and when the demands of school, work, family, and our social life are threatening to drive us up the wall. It is precisely then, says Luther, that we need to stay touch with God - even if it means getting up a little earlier or passing up our favourite TV show or taking time from our busy day to talk about God.

Getting to know God - so that we may better worship and serve Him - is our chief purpose in life. In fact, it's what eternal life is all about too. "Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God." (John 17:3)

Since you have know the importance of building good relationship, let us read the passage below and answer some questions below to find out what Jesus truly needs from us.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman name 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 distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him 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 answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

1. As you read this passage, notice the difference between Mary's and Martha's response to Jesus.
2. Why was Martha upset? Can you understand her feelings?
3. What is the "one thing" which Jesus speaks of in verse 24?
4. Who are you more like, Martha or Mary? 5. What gets in the way of your sitting down and spending time with God.