The Better Thing

How many choices do you think you make a day?

Every day we are presented with choices…anywhere from dozens to thousands.  Most of us begin our day with choosing whether or not to get out of bed.  What will we eat for breakfast?  Will we eat breakfast? What will we wear?  And the list goes on and on. 

Choice was something granted mellinia ago. Lucifer made a choice when he rebelled against the Creator of all and in spite of that poor choice, God remained true to who He is and allowed Adam and Eve a choice.  He placed two trees in the garden.

GOD placed the two trees in the garden. Then He set some clear boundaries, providing instructions and guidelines.   These trees did not accidentally sprout. HE did it! HE PLANTED them! He not only provided the choice but He gave Adam and Eve the ability to choose. The freedom was thiers.

God also presented a choice before the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:19 when He said, “…I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses…Oh, that you would  choose life, so that you and your descendants might live.” NLT

Choice is a powerful thing.  Your choices demonstrate where you are going and what matters most to you at that time.  For example, I may know I need a healthy breakfast to function at my best, but I may also want to sleep in a bit, knowing if I do I will not have time to prepare and eat that healthy breakfast.  After all, sleep and rest are important to one’s health also.  Whatever I choose is what is most important to me at that given time.  In making choices one must ask themselves, “What do I want my life to be about?”

The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10 demonstrates another opportunity for choice.  Jesus came to spend some time with his friends and he brought his disciples.  Martha was busy making sure dinner was prepared, served to the guests, the kitchen was in order, and her guests’ physical needs were being met.  Acts of service was likely the way she showed and understood love. At the same time, Mary was sitting in the room listening to Jesus.  Martha got upset enough to bring the matter to Jesus, who told her Mary had chosen the better thing. 

Was dinner not important?  Of course it was.  They had to eat, but for the moment Jesus was teaching and that was the better place to be.

This lesson hit home with me when my husband asked me to go with him to visit the neighbors who had asked us (at the last minute) to come over after dinner.  At the time I was studying for some training sessions for work.  There was a total of 11 hours of reading I was required to do.  I felt reading was the better choice.  However, out of respect for my husband, I set the books down and walked across the street with him.  Then I stayed…for hours! 

Why?  Because at one point, as my mind was drifting in the conversation thinking of the reading I needed to finish, I heard the voice of the Lord say to me, “Jamie, choose the better thing.”   Immediately I became present in the moment. 

Without going into detail or sharing personal information about this visit I assure you, this was indeed the BETTER thing.  While sitting there the Spirit told me if I would choose the better thing He would honor my time and provide opportunities for me to get my reading done.  Jesus himself said He only did what He saw His Father doing and only said what He heard His Father saying.  (John 5:19) Jesus was PRESENT!  He connected in the moment for Kingdom purposes. His purpose was to present the Father, confirm the promises and covenant of God, demonstrate love, and reveal truth!   He was all about presenting the Kingdom and bringing as many as He could into the Kingdom of God!

So, what do I want my life to be about? Well, if I want to be like Jesus then I want to tell everyone I can about the Father, reveal truth, and demonstrate love! I want to present the Kingdom and bring many into the Kingdom of God! I want to choose the better thing.

God honors our time and the things which are required of us. He has instructed us to be faithful, to serve, to work-but there are moments He calls us to sit, to listen, to be a friend. If we listen He will guide us to the right choice in the moment.

What about you?  What do you want your life to be about?  What is your NOW Kingdom moment?  Be present!  Connect to what HE wants and CHOOSE the Better Thing!