Always Seek First The Will of God!

The "Coronary and Ulcer Club" lists the following rules for its members...

1. Your job comes first. Forget everything else.
2. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are fine times to be working at the office. There will be nobody else there to bother you.
3. Always have your briefcase with you when not at your desk. This provides an opportunity to review completely all the troubles and worries of the day.
4. Never say "no" to a request. Always say "yes."
5. Accept all invitations to meetings, banquets, committees, etc.
6. All forms of recreation are a waste of time.
7. Never delegate responsibility to others; carry the entire load yourself.
8. If your work calls for traveling, work all day and travel at night to keep that appointment you made for eight the next morning.
9. No matter how many jobs you already are doing, remember you always can take on more.
-Bits & Pieces, January 7, 1993, pp. 9-10.

As Christians, we have many responsibilities that are proper... As parents, spouses, or children (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:18-21). As employees, or employers (cf. Colossians 3:22-4:1).

Yet sometimes what is good can get in the way of what is better. Such as when we fail to properly prioritize our activities. Or, allowing ourselves to be distracted by what is good, missing out on what is better.

A good illustration of this is seen in the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who along with their brother Lazarus were loved by Jesus (cf. John 11:5). If you have your bible handy, turn to (Luke 10:38-42), and let's take a closer look at the example of Martha and Mary...

Martha was distracted. She had invited Jesus to her house (Luke 10:38). That it was her house leads most to think she was the eldest, head of the household. Her hospitality is certainly commendable, a noble trait (cf. Isaiah 58:7; Hebrews 13:2).

She became distracted by much serving (Luke 10:40). The Son of God, the Messiah, had come to her house - what an honor! There were likely others present besides Jesus: His disciples, her family, and neighbors. So, she naturally wanted her sister Mary to help (Luke 10:40).

She began to worry and be troubled by many things (Luke 10:41). These weren't things that were wrong in of themselves, but they took priority when they shouldn't have. Which caused anxiety of mind and distress of spirit! Martha allowed that which is good to get in the way of that which is better!

On the other hand, Mary was disciplined. She sat at Jesus feet and heard His word (Luke 10:39). Sitting at His feet was the ancient posture of disciples or learners (cf. Acts 22:3). It indicates she was His disciple, she wanted to learn from Him.

Mary was more concerned about being a good disciple, than a good hostess. She chose the one thing needed (Luke 10:42). In the end, there is one thing that is really necessary. That would be seeking God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33; cf. 1 Timothy 4:8).

She chose that which had eternal consequence (Luke 10:42). Mary chose "that good part, which will not be taken away from her." For Jesus offered blessings that would last (cf. John 4:14; 5:24; 10:27-28); of which even her sister Martha was aware (cf. John 11:21-27). You see, Mary had the discipline to seek first things first, putting the better before the good!

What lesson can we draw from the example of Martha and Mary? Perhaps we should ask ourselves a couple of key questions.

First, are we distracted by things that may be good within themselves? These may include: Our duties as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers?; Our responsibilities to work and community?

Remember, Jesus warned against allowing such things to take precedence in our lives. Family cannot come before our service to the Lord (Matthew 10:37; cf. 12:46-50). Family and work cannot come before the kingdom of God (Luke 14:16-24). Cares of this world can render us unfruitful (Luke 8:14). Cares of this world can leave us unprepared (Luke 21:34).

If we become distracted by even things that are good, ee will find ourselves like Martha: worried, troubled, and stressed out! We may also find ourselves like Esau: selling our inheritance for a morsel! (Hebrews 12:16). So, are we distracted by the good?

Second, are we disciplined to seek that which is better, the one thing that is really needed? I am talking about the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Eternal life and the blessings which accompany it?

Jesus taught of the value of choosing the good part. This includes God's providential care in our lives (Matthew 6:31-33); ample surplus to replace our sacrifice for the gospel (Mark 10:28-30); peace and joy which the world cannot give (John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33; Philippians 4:6-7).

Dear friends, if we are disciplined enough to make the proper choice. We will find ourselves like Mary: free of anxiety, and praised by the Lord! In addition, we will find ourselves like Job: experiencing the end intended by the Lord! (James 5:11). Therefore, are we disciplined to choose that which is better?

In summary, Martha had the opportunity to serve the Lord again. This occurred on a joyous occasion, after the raising of her brother from the dead (John 12:1-2). Then she served with no distraction, free from worry, with no rebuke from the Lord.

Such is the case of those who learn from Martha and Mary. Those who put first things first, seeking first God's will and work in their lives. While the Lord comes first, they become better hosts, spouses, parents, workers. This is immensely better than if they tried to do it on their own, without God's help!

I ask you to always seek first the will of God, and everything will fall into place. If we become distracted by even that which is good, anxiety and problems will be our destiny in life! Now...are we willing to learn from Martha and Mary...?

Prayer:

Lord, as you taught us: he who speaks from himself seeks his own glory. I pray that I will not speak from myself. I pray that I will seek Your glory and that there be no unrighteousness in me. (John 7:18)

God bless you!

Giselle