“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 10:41-42 (NIV)
How did the first two weeks of the year go for you? If you look around at what is happening in the world, then it seems that very little has changed from 2020. There are still a lot to be concerned about: your personal safety, health, work, taking care of your family, and staying in touch with family and friends under Covid-19 restrictions of varying degrees of severity.
God knows that. In the same way, in the passage quoted above, Jesus understood that Martha was worried and upset about many things. Notice that he doesn't rebuke her for it. But, he points out that Mary chose what is better—she sat at Jesus's feet and listened to his teaching. That's what comes first, your relationship with God. Everything else may be important but are not necessarily the best use of your time.
For me, studying my Bible has always been easier than to pray and, sadly, that's a sign of reliance on myself rather than on God. Another aspect of my nature is to take on many projects or must-do activities, and then I get overwhelmed when I battle to do them all. this year, I'm doing my best to change that self-sabotaging behaviour.
So, how do you choose what is better? Last year, my scripture for the year was Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want," and that proved to be very applicable as God took care of me and my family. This year, I want to focus on Psalm 23:2b "He leads me beside quiet waters". The key is to let God be in control. I want God to guide my life, my decisions and choices, and I want to be at peace with the direction he takes me. I want him to lead me, and not the other way round. I don't want to run around like a headless chicken, trying to accomplish what is is not important. I don't want to be worried and upset about all the things I need to do. I want to be like Mary who chooses what is better.
How about you? What is your approach when it comes to deciding what to do? Researchers say that, on average, adults make about 35 000 decisions a day. Some are more important than others, but each decision has a consequence that is either good or bad.
Let us strive to weigh up and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, choose what is better in every moment, of every day.