Good versus Best

We can see a clear illustration of the principle of priorities in Jesus’ reaction to the choices of Martha and Mary of Bethany.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”(Luke 10:38–40) Martha had made a very honorable request: “What I’m doing is important; I need help.” Yet note the Lord’s answer: “Martha, Martha,...you are worried and upset about many things” (v. 41). Jesus didn’t say “bad” things, just “many things.” He continued, “But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (v. 42).

Jesus was saying, in effect, “You’re doing what is good, Martha, but Mary has shifted into an area of life that I wish everyone would go to. Don’t just do good things. Concentrate on what is best.” In the story of Martha and Mary, nowhere does it say that Jesus was hungry. God doesn’t want us to start anything, including doing good works for Him, until we consult Him. This is because He doesn’t want us to work for

Him, but with Him in partnership. We are “God’s fellow workers” (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Prayer: Father, I want to focus on what is best. As I meet with You each day in prayer, reveal to me the good things I can do that day to serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thought: Concentrate on what is best.

Reading: Jeremiah 9–11; 1 Timothy 6

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