The Danger of Empty Activity
In contemporary Christian discourse, it is not uncommon to find individuals deeply engaged in various activities of faith, ranging from prophesying to performing miracles. However, the reality is that such engagements can exist devoid of a genuine, personal relationship with Christ. A striking illustration of this can be found in Matthew 7:22-23, where Jesus emphasizes that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Here, He highlights the ominous truth that an outward show of faith, characterized by acts of service, can ultimately result in spiritual emptiness if it is not rooted in a heartfelt intimacy with God.
Examining this scripture reveals a profound principle: diligent efforts in religious activities cannot substitute for the necessity of a genuine connection with the divine. C.S. Lewis poignantly captures this danger in his reflections, warning that being excessively preoccupied with God’s work can lead to an estrangement from God Himself. In his view, the busyness entrenched in performing religious duties may distract believers from nurturing their personal spiritual lives. This disconnect can create a facade of faith, where activities are performed without the accompanying heart posture that aligns with true devotion.
Moreover, scripture reinforces the notion that human efforts are futile without divine guidance. As echoed in Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” This verse reminds believers of the necessity of reliance on God’s presence and direction in all endeavors. Therefore, it is imperative to consider whether our spiritual practices emerge from a place of deep communion with Christ or are simply exercises in futility devoid of transformative power. To prevent falling into the trap of empty activity, believers must prioritize their personal relationship with God above all else.
The Call to Intimacy, Not Industry
In a world that often equates busyness with righteousness, it is essential to re-evaluate our spiritual practices in light of Scripture. Psalm 46:10 summons us to “be still, and know that I am God”. This invitation underscores the significance of establishing a personal connection with the divine rather than simply engaging in industrious acts of service. The biblical narrative contrasting Martha and Mary, as seen in Luke 10:41-42, illustrates this dynamic vividly. While Martha busied herself with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening and absorbing His words. This powerful contrast highlights the value of intimacy over industry in our relationship with Christ.
As we reflect on our spiritual commitments, it is imperative to recognize that true love for God should fuel a desire to seek Him personally rather than merely pursuing His gifts or blessings. Augustine of Hippo reminds us that “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This profound truth speaks to the innate human longing for connection with the divine. Without prioritizing time spent with God, our service can become a hollow endeavor, stripped of the love and passion that ought to inspire it.
Furthermore, John Chrysostom eloquently articulates the consequences of neglecting intimacy, stating, “When you are busy in the kitchen, I do not see any great need. But when you are before God, then you are like a musician playing a stringed instrument.” The essence of effective service emerges not merely from action but from a deep-rooted relationship with God. This relationship imbues our actions with purpose and reflects His love to those we serve.
Ultimately, the call to intimacy challenges us to slow down and foster a genuine connection with God, laying the groundwork for fruitful service that emanates from His presence.
The Freedom of His Presence
Returning to the presence of God can be a transformative experience that alters one’s entire approach to life and work. In John 15:4–5, Jesus invites us to abide in Him, highlighting the intimate relationship between the believer and the divine. This abiding presence is not merely a static state, but an active engagement that nurtures a fruitful life. Through this relationship, everyday responsibilities and tasks can be elevated from mere obligations into acts of worship. This transition signifies a shift in perspective where our labor becomes a means of glorifying God rather than a source of stress and pressure.
Moreover, in Matthew 11:29–30, Jesus calls to us, offering rest for our weary souls. He invites us to take upon ourselves His yoke, which symbolizes surrendering our burdens to Him. This act of relinquishing control allows God’s presence to permeate our lives, transforming our efforts into grace. As we experience His presence, we gradually find that the pressures we once faced diminish, making way for a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace emerges not from the absence of challenges but from the assurance that God is with us in the midst of them.
Irenaeus of Lyons eloquently expressed the idea that true living is synonymous with being fully alive in God. This concept reinforces the belief that our true purpose is discovered when we lean into the divine presence. When we fully engage with God, we tap into a source of strength and inspiration that empowers us to navigate life’s complexities with grace. It is within this divine presence that we find not only purpose but also fulfillment, as our lives reflect the image of Christ through the work we undertake. Ultimately, embracing the freedom of His presence invites us to experience a renewed sense of wholeness and vitality in our everyday existence.
From Doing to Being
The contemporary Christian experience often revolves around an incessant cycle of activity and achievement. Individuals are consistently driven by the urge to perform, to check off spiritual tasks, and to meet expectations placed by themselves or their communities. However, a profound transformation awaits those willing to shift their focus from relentless doing to simply being in the presence of God. This transition resonates deeply with the fundamental understanding of faith as a relationship rather than a series of obligations.
In James 4:8, believers are assured that if they draw near to God, He will draw near to them. This promise emphasizes that God’s desire is not for relentless performance but rather for authentic connection. By exchanging feelings of guilt, pride, and exhaustion for a heart of tranquility and trust, individuals can experience the profound joys of intimacy with their Creator. The invitation to simply ‘be’ allows believers to bask in God’s love, embracing the freedom that comes from His grace, rather than being trapped in the demands of doing.
This call to a more profound relationship calls for reflection and understanding. As we release the mindset that equates worth with works, we discover the beauty of walking alongside God, cultivating a presence that fosters spiritual growth. It is in these moments of stillness and connection that one truly realizes the depth of God’s love and purpose for their life.
As we conclude this reflection, I invite you to take a moment of prayer. Allow yourself to surrender the burdens of performance, recognizing that your value in God’s eyes is not tied to what you do but to who you are. Embrace the tender call of God to enter into His presence. May you find peace and strength in simply being, assured that He is always near, waiting to walk with you on this journey of faith.
SUMMARY:
✝️ “When Loving Christ Isn’t Enough: From Performance to Presence”
📖 Main Text:
Matthew 7:22–23 (NIV)
“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and in Your name drive out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’”
🕊️ Introduction
Have you ever felt like you’re chasing the wind?
You serve, you lead, you speak of God — yet at the end of the day, you feel empty.
You whisper, “Lord, was this for You, or was this for me?”
We live in an age that celebrates doing — constant motion, measurable outcomes, visible success.
But Jesus never said, “Do more.” He said, “Abide in Me.” (John 15:4)
Today’s message is a call to return — from performance to presence, from activity to intimacy, from religion to relationship.
🕇 Main Theme:
It is possible to serve Christ without knowing Him personally.
True Christianity is not measured by what we do for God, but by how deeply we walk with God.
📍 Point 1 – The Danger of Empty Activity
“Many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord…’ but I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:22–23
- These were not unbelievers.
They prophesied, cast out demons, performed miracles.
But Jesus said, “I never knew you.”
Their activity replaced intimacy.
Their performance replaced presence.
🕊️ “To be too busy with God’s work is often the most dangerous form of spiritual laziness.”
— C.S. Lewis
📖 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1
When we do for God without being with God, we build altars to ourselves rather than worship to Him.
Busyness can become the greatest enemy of intimacy.
📍 Point 2 – The Call to Intimacy, Not Industry
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Jesus desires connection before contribution.
He told Martha:
“You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is better.” — Luke 10:41–42
Martha served Jesus.
Mary sat with Jesus.
And Jesus said Mary’s choice was better.
🕊️ “The one who truly loves God is the one who seeks Him, not just His gifts.”
— Augustine of Hippo
🕊️ “He who runs ahead of God will soon find himself walking alone.”
— John Chrysostom
Our service becomes sacred only when it flows from stillness — when we learn to walk with Him, not just work for Him.
📍 Point 3 – The Freedom of His Presence
When we return to intimacy, everything changes:
- Work becomes worship
- Effort turns to grace
- Pressure turns to peace
📖 “Abide in Me, and I in you… for apart from Me you can do nothing.” — John 15:4–5
📖 “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” — Matthew 11:29–30
🕊️ “The glory of God is a man fully alive.”
— Irenaeus of Lyons
When we live in His presence, life regains its meaning.
No longer striving, we start abiding.
No longer proving, we start loving.
🕊️ Conclusion – From Doing to Being
Maybe today, God is whispering to you:
“Stop running ahead of Me. Walk with Me.”
He doesn’t demand perfection — only presence.
Lay down your guilt, your pride, your exhaustion.
Come back to His heart.
Because in the end, it won’t matter what we did for Him,
but whether we knew Him — deeply, personally, truly.
📖 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
🙌 Final Appeal / Call to Reflection
Let’s pray:
“Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve run ahead of You.
Teach us to walk with You, not just work for You.
Help us to find joy again in Your presence,
that our works may flow from love, not from fear.”
“We surrender our performance,
and we embrace Your Presence.”
Amen.
