The Call to Be With Jesus: Our First Priority

In our fast-paced world, filled with endless to-do lists and constant distractions, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As followers of Christ, we're often caught up in the whirlwind of doing—serving, ministering, and working for the Kingdom. But what if our first and most crucial call isn't to do, but to be?



Mark 3:13-15 paints a powerful picture that challenges our action-oriented mindset: "Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons."

Notice the order here. Before Jesus sent out His disciples to preach or perform miracles, He called them to be with Him. This seemingly simple act carries profound implications for our spiritual lives today.

The Importance of Being with Jesus

In a culture that values productivity and tangible results, the call to simply “be” with Jesus might seem counterintuitive. Yet, it’s the foundation of our relationship with Him and the source of our spiritual power. Jesus Himself emphasizes this in John 15:5, saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.“

This verse underscores a vital truth: our effectiveness in ministry, our ability to love others, and our capacity to live out our faith all stem from our connection to Jesus. It’s not about what we can do for Him, but about allowing His life to flow through us.

Consider for a moment: How are you personally answering the call to be with Jesus? Before the day’s tasks begin, before the ministry plans are made, are you prioritizing time in His presence? It’s in these moments of communion that we’re truly equipped for the work He’s called us to do.

The Benefits of Being with Jesus

When we heed the call to be with Jesus, we open ourselves to a wellspring of spiritual blessings. Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In a world fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, the peace that comes from being in Christ’s presence is invaluable.

Moreover, as we spend time with Jesus, we’re filled with His love, joy, and strength. Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities naturally flow from a life rooted in Christ.

Psalm 16:11 beautifully captures the joy found in God’s presence: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” This joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but is a deep-seated contentment that comes from knowing and being known by our Creator.

Interestingly, many of us might notice that when we neglect this primary call to be with Jesus, we tend to respond more from our flesh than from the Spirit. Our reactions become more knee-jerk, our patience thinner, our love less evident. It’s a stark reminder of our dependence on Him.

Reflect for a moment: How does your behavior change when you’re not prioritizing time with Jesus? What areas of your life show the most significant impact?

The Call to Prioritize Being with Jesus

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse echoes the principle we see in Mark 3—that our primary focus should be on seeking God’s presence and aligning our hearts with His.

Yet, if we’re honest, many of us struggle with this prioritization. Work, family responsibilities, social commitments, and even ministry activities can crowd out our time with Jesus. It’s crucial to examine our lives and identify what we might be prioritizing over our relationship with Christ.

Perhaps it’s the allure of social media first thing in the morning, or the pressure to answer work emails late into the night. Maybe it’s the belief that we need to solve every problem or meet every need in our community. Whatever it is, recognizing these competing priorities is the first step in realigning our focus.

So how can we, both individually and as a community of believers, make more time for Jesus starting this week?

Here are a few practical suggestions:

• Start your day with Jesus: Before checking your phone or turning on the news, spend even just 10 minutes in prayer and Scripture reading.
• Create margin: Build buffer time into your schedule to allow for unexpected moments of communion with God throughout the day.
• Practice the presence of God: Train yourself to be aware of God’s presence in every situation, turning your thoughts to Him frequently.
• Sabbath regularly: Set aside a day each week to rest and focus on your relationship with God, free from work and other obligations.
• Accountability: Partner with a friend or small group to encourage each other in prioritizing time with Jesus.

Remember, our primary call is to be with Jesus—to abide in His presence. John 15:4 reminds us, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.“

As we prioritize His presence above all else, we’ll find that everything we need flows from that relationship. Our ministry becomes more fruitful, our love more genuine, our peace more profound. We bear fruit not through striving, but through abiding.

Let’s challenge ourselves to answer the call to be with Jesus with renewed vigor. Let’s make His presence our first priority, trusting that as we do, we’ll be transformed and equipped to fulfill the unique purpose He has for each of our lives. In His presence, we find our true identity, our strength, and the power to impact the world around us for His glory.