Good, Better, Best
Opening Prayer
Thank God for some good things you enjoy (family, friends, work, books, music) and how they enrich your life.
Read LUKE 10:38-42
[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] 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!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the "better" that Mary chose?We are accustomed to “good guy/bad guy” stories. Real life, however, is seldom experienced in black and white, but in varying shades of gray.
Martha opened her home to Jesus (38); her efforts were directed at serving him (40). She’s no bad guy, but rather, a good woman! Although Jesus commends Mary and gently rebukes Martha, this story is not about a choice between good and bad. It is about choosing between good and better, and moreover, about an attitude pleasing to God. What was wrong with Martha’s attitude?
First, Martha was distracted by her preparations (40a). What was she distracted from? The contrasting attitude of Mary (39) offers the answer: Martha allowed her preparations (good and necessary things) to distract her from the very person they were intended to serve. Second, Martha focused on herself (40b), while Mary focused wholly on Jesus (39). Finally, Martha presumed to tell Jesus what he should say (40c), while Mary listened attentively to what Jesus had to tell her (39).
Apply
How will you choose what is best over what is merely good? Ask God’s help to choose his best for you.
Closing prayer
Lord, I want to listen when You want to speak to me, and I want to always be ready to focus on You.
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