The better thing

Loving God means choosing what is best

Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Imagine having at least 13 guests for dinner! Of course we can identify with Martha being flustered and distracted! There’d be so much to do – vegetables to prepare, tables to set, rooms to tidy, meat to roast. Of course we’d be annoyed if our sister wasn’t helping!

The Bible says that Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, hanging on every word! In exasperation Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister to help. “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-NIV)

Despite all the preparations for dinner, there was really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary had left what was good to do and had chosen something better – God’s best – spending unhurried quality time with Him.

And today, in the middle of our busy schedules, we daily face the same choice. Are we frazzled and distracted like Martha, or are we quietly content like Mary, resting in our Lord’s presence? Often we too have to leave what is good, and choose what is better.

We may have to leave the dishes. Forget about the ironing (Not a problem for many of us!) Banish to do lists. Turn off the TV. Disconnect the phone. Shut the door. And climb into ‘the closet’ and sit at Jesus’ feet- to hear what He has to say, to allow Him access to our hearts, to seek His face and His leading. There’ll always be other things to do, but He should be our first priority.

We, like the psalmist, must yearn to grow as close to God as possible.

‘One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the lord and to seek him in his temple.’ (Psalm 27:4 -NIV)

‘O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you’
(Psalm 63:1 –NIV)

We get pleasure from being in God’s presence.
‘Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of you heart’ (Psalm 37:4 – NIV)

‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:13 –NIV)

When we spend quality time with God, our reward is God Himself.
‘Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unploughed ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you’ (Hosea 10:12 –NIV)

We need to ask God to soften our hearts, to plough up the hard areas so that we can be teachable and responsive to His voice. If we seek the Lord, He will shower blessings on us. If we,like Mary, leave what is good and choose what is better, we too will receive God’s best.

‘Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you’ (James 4:8 –NLT)

Father, You are the best- better than everything else!
May I get to know You more, for it is in first seeking Your face that I can face everything else.
May I do those good works you’ve planned for me to do.
May I accomplish what You want. May I fulfil Your agenda rather than my own and reach my maximum potential in You. 

Blessings,

Ruthx

*Edited & updated from my book ‘Its all about love’ 2007