Choose What is Better

Life is full of trade-off choices. Whenever we say ‘yes’ to something, we always say ‘no’ to something else. People who seem to live with more tranquility and fulfillment often know how to say ‘no’ to the good so that they can say ‘yes’ to the better.

In a famous story in Luke’s writings (10:38-42), Martha was busy working to serve the guests in her house. She had an important guest – Jesus – visiting and wanted the preparations to be just right. Her sister, Mary, chose not to help Martha with all the preparations, preferring to listen to Jesus’ teachings. Martha became so frustrated that she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Christ replied:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” [1]

Christ was saying that setting aside the cares of this world to spend time with him is most important. It is a trade-off choice of choosing better over good.

In our context today, choosing better means taking time away from work, family, recreation, and sports to quietly spend time with God, reading his word and praying. Listening to God through his word and prayer is better than any other activity. Listening to God should not be multi-tasked with different activities that require sustained attention, such as driving a vehicle.

Is focusing on work, family, sports, or other activities wrong? Of course not. But it is better to build a bit of margin into one’s life so that the best time of the day can be given to God, focusing on his word and being in his presence. If you do this consistently, you will find that you will be more effective in other roles in your life.

Choose what is better.

[1] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Lk 10:41–42.