Make Room for Better

I’ve always been more of a Martha than a Mary, stressing more than resting, craving checked boxes on my to-do lists over quality time in my relationships. In my own relationship with Jesus, I’ve noticed it's easy for me to slip into being more consumed with what I’m DOING FOR Him rather than simply BEING WITH Him. See, in the story of Mary and Martha, I don’t believe Martha was wrong for making preparations for Jesus and His disciples, but the moment she began finding her worth in making those preparations to the point of frustration, stress, and taking it out on her sister, Jesus kindly corrected her in remembering that HE is the ultimate prize, the better choice; it’s not our accomplishments or service for, or toward, Him.

Today’s Scripture

"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!” “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 10:38-42 (NIV)

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Tip from Lael

The next time you find yourself overwhelmed by your busy schedule, even if that schedule is full of seemingly “good” things, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify which “good” things you should let go of in pursuit of the BETTER choice. Is your love and devotion for Christ what’s motivating you to serve Him? Or are you trying to earn His love through service?

Study Suggestions

Set aside some uninterrupted time out of your busy day - even if it’s just five minutes - and mediate on these truths from God’s Word: Isaiah 40:28-31, Psalm 127:1-2, and Matthew 11:28. Recognize God’s desire for you to simply just “rest” and “be” with Him instead of striving in your own strength, or earning anything from Him. For extra encouragement, write those verses out and put them in a visible place as a reminder throughout your day to choose BETTER over busy.