It's All About Our Priorities!

Soon after Angie and David's sixth anniversary, the couple's home burned to the ground. Angie's first act, when they were allowed to hunt through the blackened remains, was to search for their photo albums. When she went to tell David that the pictures had indeed survived, she found him carefully placing in a box some charred, folded pieces of paper -- their courtship love letters.

"As I watched David kneeling there in the ashes," she says, "I was overcome with the certainty that we were meant for each other. There, in the face of our greatest tragedy, our first thoughts were not of our material loss, but of the potential loss of these precious parts of our life together. As I knelt to help him with the letters, I was certain that we hadn't lost anything that mattered after all."    -Reader's Digest, August, 1982

As Christians, we have many traditional responsibilities, such as: parents, spouses, or children (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:18-21). And, even as employees, or employers (cf. Colossians 3:22-4:1); to name but a few. However, sometimes what is good can get in the way of what is better. For example, like when we fail to properly prioritize, our activities. Thus, allowing ourselves to be distracted by what is good, and missing out on what is better.

A terrific illustration of this can be found in the Bible. Here we have 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 with you, turn to Luke 10:38-42, and let's check this out.

Studying the two sisters, we'll start with Martha. Martha was distracted. She had invited Jesus to her home (Luke 10:38). The fact that it was her house leads most to think she was the eldest, head of the household. Her hospitality is certainly admirable, a noble trait (cf. Isaiah 58:7; Hebrews 13:2).

Yet, she became distracted by all of the commotion. After all, the Son of God, the Messiah, had come to her house. My gosh, what an honor! Surely, there were probably others besides Jesus; maybe His disciples, her family, neighbors, etc. And of course, she naturally wanted her sister Mary to help out (Luke 10:40).

We can only imagine how Martha must have felt. She had all of these guests, including Jesus, in her home. Instantly the panic alarm goes off! What am I going to do? What am I going to make for everyone to eat? Do I have enough? She's running around in the kitchen trying to figure this all out. Martha began to stress out!

Then, the thought occurs to her, "Where's Mary? She should be helping me!" She runs out of the kitchen and finds Mary sitting lovingly on the floor in front of Jesus. Frustrated, she scolded Jesus, asking him whether he cared that her sister had left her to fix the meal alone. She told Jesus to order Mary to help her with the preparations (Luke 10:40).

Clearly, the things that were troubling her were not things that were wrong by themselves. However, they took priority when they shouldn't have. That's what caused her anxiety and distress! Martha allowed that which is good get in the way of that which is better (Luke 10:41)!

In contrast, Mary, her sister, was disciplined. She sat at Jesus' feet and listened attentively to His word (Luke 10:39). Sitting at His feet was the ancient posture of disciples, or learners (cf. Acts 22:3). This illustrates a couple of good points. It indicates she was His disciple, and she wanted to learn from Him. Also, that she was more concerned about being a good disciple, than a good hostess!

She chose the one thing she truly needed (Luke 10:42). In the end, there's only one thing that is really necessary. That would be seeking God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33; cf. 1 Timothy 4:8). Mary chose that which had eternal consequence (Luke 10:42).

She 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). Even her sister Martha was aware of this (cf. John 11:21-27) However, Mary had the discipline to seek first things first, putting the better before the good!

Comparing the actions of the two sisters, what can we learn? Well, it might be a good idea to start by asking ourselves a couple of questions. First, are we distracted by things that may be good within themselves? Maybe it's our duties as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers? Or, it could be our responsibilities to work and community?

As a mother myself, I know that this can be a deal breaker for some. I totally understand. But, Jesus warned against allowing such things to take precedence in our lives. In other words, don't let Christ fade away into the background. We all know how quickly and easily this can happen! He should always be front and center in our lives; where He rightfully belongs.

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). Why? Because as we saw with the two sisters, cares of this world can render us unfruitful (Luke 8:14); and the cares of this world can leave us unprepared (Luke 21:34).

Look, if we become distracted by things that are good, we'll find ourselves like Martha: worried, troubled, and stressed out! We may even find ourselves like Esau: selling our inheritance for next to nothing! (Hebrews 12:16). That would be a travesty! So we really have to stop and ask ourselves, "Are we distracted by the good?"

The second question we need to ask ourselves is, "Are we disciplined to seek that which is better, the one thing that's really needed? This main question can even be broken down into a few more questions. Are we disciplined to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Are we disciplined to seek 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); an ample surplus to replace our sacrifice for the gospel (Mark 10:28-30); and peace and joy which the world cannot give (John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33; Philippians 4:6-7).

Here's some good news! If we're disciplined enough to make the right choice, a couple of things will occur. We we'll find ourselves like Mary:  free of anxiety, praised by the Lord! And, we'll find ourselves like Job: experiencing the end intend by the Lord! (James 5:11). So, now I ask you, "Are we disciplined to choose that which is better?"

In closing, Martha had the opportunity to serve the Lord again. This took place on a joyous occasion, after her dead brother (Lazarus) was raised from the dead (John 12:1-2). From that point on, she served with no distractions, no worries, and with no criticism from the Lord.

That, my dear friends, is what happens to those who learn from Martha and Mary. It also happens to those who put first things first, seeking first God's will, and work in their lives. Additionally, if they put the Lord first in their lives something really wonderful takes place. They become better hosts, spouses, parents, workers, etc. You have to admit, this is so much better than if you try to do it on your own, without God's help!

Let me leave you with some thoughts. Make God the priority in your life, and everything else will fall into place. If we allow ourselves to become distracted by even that which is good, anxiety and problems will be what we get in life! Now, are you willing to learn from Martha and Mary?

Scripture: Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:34; Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38 ; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Micah 6:8 ; Luke 22:29

Prayer: Dear Father, please protect me on my life's journey and light my way. Forgive me when I do wrong for I am trying. Amen

May God always bless you!

Trisha