Have you ever settled for something less than the best? Maybe it was school that was not quite as good as your first choice, but it was cheaper or easier to get into. Maybe you were looking for that dream job, but you settled for the one that was available rather than risk the possibility of no job.
Martha had an up-close encounter with choosing better. She wanted her place to be perfect for Jesus’ visit. Like any good Jewish girl, she would have done this familiar routine hundreds of times for guests. But this time, her sister Mary left all the chores and responsibilities to her, choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus.
Understandably upset, she approached Jesus, hoping He would tell Mary to get off her lazy behind and help out. But she didn’t expect His response:
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Have you settled for an OK relationship with God when He was calling you to choose better? Have you, like Martha, chosen the familiar over the better? As the Psalmist writes:
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10
When life gives you choices, choose better.