Every new week, every new day and even sometimes every new minute we have a choice to make…to chose what is better. We have the opportunity to chose the better way to react to stress or adversity. We have the opportunity to chose the better way to speak when tempted with harsh words. We have the opportunity to chose the better way to think by not allowing our mind to take us to dark placese of anger, jealous, guilt.
We also have the awesome opportunity to chose what is better in how we live out our faith and live out our relationship with Jesus.
In the Bible you might be familiar with the sweet sisters Mary and Martha. Both of these women loved the Lord…no doubt. Both enjoyed serving Him…no doubt. But only one of them chose what is better…Mary.
Take a peek into the house of Mary and Martha as Jesus and His disciples gathered to worship and hear teaching.
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!”
“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.” (Luke 10:40-42 NIV)
You may or may not have read a ton of devotions or heard many sermons on the story of Mary and Martha. But, before we start to dog on Martha and chide her for not choosing what is better, let us remember that there is a time and place (very important!) to physically serve Jesus. When we make the choice to love others by serving them, we are in fact, worshiping the very King of the Universe. Martha has a servants heart. But, sometimes that servants heart needs to put down the pots and pans, throw in the towel and just chose what is better…sitting at the feet of Jesus.
My encouragement to you for today is to…
Choose to put your smart phone on silent, get in a quiet frame of mind and talk to your Lord in prayer.
Choose to set aside your to-do list, or better yet-hand that to-do list over to Him and open your Bible to take part in God’s holy Word.
Choose to spend your drive time today with worship music as you hand over your personal agenda and release your life to the One who is more than capable of handling your stress.
May we choose what is better and cling to the promise given in the book of Luke which says that our “what is better” will not be taken away from us. Straight from the words of Jesus, God promises that if we choose Him over all else, His divine, peace-filled presence will be with us.
How will you chose what is better today?
Leave a comment…let’s chat!
I chose to go into the bathroom with my negative thoughts towards a co-worker and hand them over to God while talking to my reflection in the mirror.
So often I allow my thoughts to roam free, as they are not technically hurting the person I am thinking badly about…but this makes my heart dark and bitter, and I desire my heart to be open, loving and encouraging at all times…even when people do things that anger me!
Yes… our thoughts can be our worst enemy. Good stuff, Ryan!
I love this, this is probably one of my favorite posts of yours because its what I try go learn. To just be still and listen to The Lord. I’m always pushing myself to the brink and my poor body (and mind) can’t handle it. I’m trying to just learn and be thankful, happy, accepting of my current situation even though its not what I want at all. I know the only way is Jesus but everyday it’s tempting and appears almost easier to ignore finding my focus in Him.
Yes…just being still and listening is definitly better! love it!
I love it when you suggest silencing the phone….Currently, I was on jury duty yesterday and when I entered the building I had to check in my phone. I wasn’t allowed to have my cell phone with me at all. I was left to sit in a room for hours….it was okay. Being without my cell phone, it didn’t kill. I was able to reflect on different things and finish writing a Christian article I started weeks ago. I had the time to really think about what I wanted to convey without any interruptions. I was a great feeling.
Hi Sarah,
Where do you get all of those great pictures? Their are a couple I would like to have.
Thanks!
Juliann