Choose What Is Best
She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. -- Luke 10:39
Most of us are familiar with the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus came to Martha’s house and while she was busy preparing for all the guests, her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus teach.
We remember that Jesus admonished Martha when she complained and ask Jesus to make Mary help her.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord 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 10:41-42
So we learn that it is better to listen to Jesus than to prepare food and worry about the guests. But what else did we learn? And do we really understand how this applies to us?
A few weeks ago our church had a wonderful event on a Sunday afternoon. It was a time of fellowship. Unfortunately, it was at the same time as a women’s bible study that had been scheduled weeks earlier as part of a continuing event. Should we postpone the study? Should we have it anyway? There was quite a division.
I opted to go ahead and have the study as scheduled. Those who could and would came. And others didn’t. Their choice. One woman came but said her husband said she was selfish. For what? For choosing a bible study over listening to him play in the church band, something she does almost every Sunday morning.
Somehow we believe that choosing one church event over another means that all is good. Or one good thing over another means that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. But we can fill our lives up with busyness and never accomplish what Jesus has called us to do.
We’re full of excuses. Absolutely. And they’re good excuses. Like having some fun in the name of fellowship rather than studying God’s Word as we’d previously committed to do. Or going to the beach for a “day off” rather than attending church. Or helping the youth with a project rather than caring for our own elderly relative. The list goes on and on.
We’re full of good intentions and excuses. But are we really doing what is best? The answer varies, of course, because what is best for one might not be best for another. What it really comes down to is seeking God in all things and putting Him first.
We prefer to think that the story of Mary and Martha has to do with sibling rivalry and preparing for guests. But it also has to do with us and the choices we make each day. Are you choosing what is best? Are you sure?
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