There Will Always Be More Work to Do

Note from today’s Bible reading: Mark 1

As Mark records the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry in Galilee, he described the miracles that Jesus was performing in the city of Simon and Andrew (Mark 1:29-32). While He was there, “the whole city” came to Him and “He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons” (Mark 1:33-34).

Early the next morning, Jesus “went away to a secluded place, and was praying there” (Mark 1:35). While He was there, Simon and the others found him and told Jesus that they had been searching for him and that “everyone [was] looking for [Him]” (Mark 1:36-37), implying that more people were coming to be healed by Jesus. Yet rather than return to those of that city, Jesus said, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for” (Mark 1:38).

There may be times when we are tempted to neglect our own personal devotion to God (such as the practice of prayer) or excuse ourselves from some good work we could be doing because we are not “finished” with the work in which we are currently engaged. However, this example of Jesus shows us that we cannot allow every urgent need to hinder us from other things we ought to be doing.

So remember that there will always be more work to do. We are not greater than Jesus in what we can accomplish. Let us learn to be content in our limitations and do the best we can in the time that we have to serve the Lord and help those around us.