It is so ever easy to be busy. To load ourselves up with doing. To distract ourselves with activities, volunteering, or simply busy work. I’ve done it – and complained about how tired, exhausted, and worn out I am. I’ve used the excuse of fatigue and lacking of time to skip personal prayer and Scripture study. I’ve forever had a hard time saying “no” when asked for help, even when I really am tired or even in pain. All of this to simply say – I stay tired and distracted! But one thing I try very hard not to allow: skipping meals. I learned several years ago that, even if I don’t “feel” hungry, if I go too long without eating, I get weak, feel even more tired, and eventually I might even pass out! When we don’t eat, our thinking processes begin to deteriorate, and we are less able to accomplish what is truly important.

In ministry, I have encountered/witnessed case after case of those who so thoroughly busy themselves that they fail to take the time to be fed. They volunteer to fill positions, they take extra work, they fill their time with busyness (some of which absolutely is important), but in the filling of that time, distance themselves from family, sometimes sacrificing their spouse and children, but more directly related to the concept of “being fed”, starve themselves of spiritual food and recharging that we all need.

Today’s economy is a priority-corrupting mess that has more and more people, especially younger families, struggling to simply stay afloat. The IRS has even added the slang term “side-gig” to some questionnaires regarding tax reporting because such supplemental efforts to keep the family budget out of the proverbial red has created an entire sub-economy. And each one often takes more and more time away from the very components of life that use to matter.

And sadly, much like how the secular world has invaded the church in other areas, so has this busyness. This is particularly dangerous in small churches where the resources, both financial and human, tend to be limited. The temptation, indeed even a perceived expectation, exists to pick up as many hats as possible to make sure things get done. And in the process – sacrifices are made. The Christian life is one that is, and always has been, distinguished by the voluntary sacrifices that really are biblically expected of the believer. The problem is, those sacrifices were never meant to get in the way, or even to become an excuse for not feasting at Christ’s table of the local church. For some, this is quite unintentional – and by the time the realization comes that they have disconnected completely, the damage is done – and the spiritual malnourishment has done its damage.

For others, the “busyness”, especially in the context of church, is intentional. Unrepentant sin, or simply guilt they can’t seem to shake, family strife and divisions, bad (if not actually sinful) decisions, and other forms of inadequacies drive them to try to fill their time “in church” with things that actually take them out of or away from the very feeding that they actually need. It might be a desire to try to “atone for” their issues without actual repentance and change, or it could be that sitting under biblical preaching, engaging in a small group setting, or the transparent accountability of an intentional discipleship relationship, while being faced with God’s Word right in your face- becomes uncomfortable.

I remember early in ministry, a relatively young couple stopped attending regularly, and eventually stopped coming at all. They didn’t say anything – they just faded into the wind. Several of us continued to try to reach out and figure out what might be going on. What did eventually find out from family that the young couple in question were having some serious marital problems. There was some heavy unrepentant sin involved. But the answer finally given when directly asked why they left the church, the answer given was “I need to be fed”. Never mind that both of them had several options week-in and week-out to be “fed” – beginning with the weekly Worship time, with Sunday School classes that were lead by some of the best teachers I knew. There were group prayer times, and mature individuals who were always ready and seeking younger couples just like them to engage in intentional discipleship. It wasn’t for a lack of opportunity but a lack of effort to feed. You see – prior to the fade away, this couple had been busy – busy with the “doing”, but not busy with their own spiritual condition.

And this is a story that plays out in various forms over and over again. Busyness – whether well-intentioned, or an effort to cover for other issues – doesn’t really “keep you out of trouble” as I often satirically refer to my own busy life. And when not properly handled and managed, will spiritually starve you to death.

I mentioned in yesterday’s sermon that all of us are in need of “revival” in some way or another. One that seems particularly prevalent is among those who are suffering very tangible fatigue because they burn the candle at both ends (and sometimes I think in the middle as well!) The very LAST thing to do when we begin to feel the drought, is to move AWAY from the Well! Jesus said:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

And in John 6:35 He said

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never hunger”

John 6:35

This obviously is first and foremost, a call to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, but is also an ongoing command to come to Him for nourishment and sustenance, and one avenue He established – quite possibly the most important and comprehensive, is in the Local Church. It is through the church that we are edified and encouraged through fellowship, shared burdens, singing hymns, songs and spiritual songs, and the ministry of the Word.

I recall a lesson I learned through my own academic storyline that turned my understanding upside-down. I often heard complaints about a particular teacher or professor – of how poorly they taught, and how little students got out of the class. What I found to be true was that in the vast majority of teaching environments, what you “get out of it” is directly related to what you give to it. I found over the years that I often learned more in those classes where the teacher or professor were often derided for being “bad teachers”, than the so-called “good teachers”. Why? Because the so-called bad teachers were the ones that actually challenged me and set high expectations. But how does one learn from ANY professor or teacher (or pastor) if you don’t show up – either physically or mentally? If you go to class (or attend church), but your mind is firmly planted on what is “next” -whether it is the vacation you are getting ready to leave for, or the line at the Golden Corral, exactly how much are you going to gain from even being present? And who’s fault is that?

Attendance is not the same as Presence

On any given Sunday, in churches across this nation, you have many different kinds of people who are physically present in a given gathering. You have those who are passionate and dedicated followers of Christ, who are there with the top priority of giving God the praise and worship that He alone deserves, and to feast on the Word of God as it is proclaimed from the pulpit and taught in a class. These people show up having prayed before coming, having wrestled with the issues in life that might get in the way, and might have even pre-studied their lesson for Sunday School! Another group might be there simply because that is what is expected of them. They show up (physically), they go through the motions, though often finding excuses to stay out of any class, and dwell on those things that are of higher priority to them than what is going on in that assembly. From time-to-time, they might hear a bit or piece of the message, and sometimes it might even cause them to think (or to further disengage because it was convicting!). Still others show up because they have a “job” to do. Maybe they have found themselves the go-to nursery keeper. Or they man the hallways and doors for “security”. and a more recent sub-section that falls somewhere amid the others, are those who are there (often, but not always) younger attendees, who focus on their phone or other immediate distraction, but they too often would rather be elsewhere.

But all of these would happily “check the box” of church attendance for the week. They did their “duty”, so nobody should be calling them mid-week to be nosey and ask where they were. Mom or grandma won’t be harassing them about church.

But which of those groups are actually PRESENT? I have talked about one of the most incredible forms of ministry outside of the preaching of God’s Word and genuine, spiritual worship – and that is the Ministry of Presence. Sometimes one of the most edifying and encouraging ways to minister to others has nothing to do with words – but simply being present. You cannot be THAT kind of “present” if you are constantly finding excuses (which the Devil is all too happy to provide you), including being “busy” even “at” church!

But being present actually implies more than the physical location of your body, but includes your heart and mind. And this goes back to that idea of getting from it, what you put in. If you desire close Christian friends in your life – then BE a close, Christian friend! If you want to grow in your walk with Christ, then be where others are seeking to grow in their walk with Christ (together!). If your greatest need is simply encouragement – then be present and encourage others, both by your engaged presence, and in your attitude. Be an active part of the sharing of burdens and blessings. Spend time around those who are more spiritually mature (often because they have already made the mistakes you are getting close to making yourself). Check your priorities – and what in your life have you allowed to become a higher priority than your relationship with Christ and with His church? And sadly – those obstacles can often be unforgiveness, unrepentant sin, and shame for bad decisions in your life.

One last thought – If you find yourself feeling spiritually starved or malnourished, before you begin blaming a church, pastor, or other ministry leaders, first look in the mirror. Have you made yourself blind to the opportunities for rich feeding on God’s Word that are right before you? Are you truly present when the church body comes together to learn, worship, and receive the preaching of God’s Word, or are you consumed with doing, fulfilling obligations, or checking a box? Have you taken on so many hats that you left out time and opportunity to sit under biblical teaching, to pour out your heart in thanksgiving and praise in corporate worship, and placed insurmountable obstacles to intentional time of fellowship and discipling with other believers? Have you stored up unrepentant sin that has, whether you recognize it or not has become an obstacle to even facing other believers? Are you holding on to hurt and unforgiveness? And while it can be awfully uncomfortable to think about it, a question that always begs and answer: have you come to Jesus in true faith, trusting in His sufficient grace in salvation and forgiveness? Have you honestly evaluated your priorities and efforts to BE fed? Have you placed “business” before Spiritual nourishment?

Have you poured out your heart in prayer, not for the temporal and worldly needs that are common to all, but to your particular areas of spiritual need, and then come together for worship with a heart that has been prepared to receive God’s blessings through His Word, fellowship, service, and engagements in your presence?