It seems that the reason that these "good, better, best" decisions give us the most headaches is because of the consequences. The term 'consequences' typically puts a sour taste in our mouths. The truth is, consequences are neutral. They are simply the result that comes from the decisions that we make. If we make bad decisions, there are negative consequences. If we make good decisions, then there are positive consequences. What about in the "good, better, best" decisions? The consequences follow the decisions that we make.
I am so thankful for the Bible. It is God's word, and it gives us direction in how to make the best decisions. This past Sunday, we looked at a passage of Scripture that shows people choosing good and best. It is found in Luke 10:38-42. In this passage, we see two women who make different decisions. One woman (Martha) makes a good decision. The other woman (Mary) makes the best decision.
As this passage unfolds, we see Jesus being invited in to the home of some dear friends. Martha, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus, are very good friends of Jesus. About every time that Jesus goes to the village of Bethany, we see Him stopping in and spending time with this family.
As we all do when guests come to our house, we see Martha very busy with the details of making sure that things look right. She wants to make sure that everything is in order. We all can understand this. Who wants a guest coming into our homes and seeing what things are really like? There is nothing seemingly wrong with this decision. It is a good decision.
As we see Mary making a decision to be at the feet of Jesus, we see that she makes the best decision. There is nothing wrong with doing the daily tasks that we have until those tasks get in the way of us making the best decision. Martha's "work" was keeping her from experiencing the best thing that was in her house: Jesus. Her work had her going in many different directions. Jesus even said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary" (Luke 10:41-42a).
Did you catch that? "One thing is necessary..." Jesus said that there was only one thing that was imperative at that moment, and it wasn't making sure that everything looked nice. It was knowing Him. Jesus would say later on that eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3).
The best decision that we could ever make in life is not what career we will pursue... not whom we will marry... not what other people think about us. The single most important decision that we will ever make is to know God in an intimate way. That one decision will help us make the best decision in every crossroads that we arrive. We can strive to be like Martha in this passage and do our best to make things look right, but it will only leave us frustrated and complaining. Let us choose to be like Mary and make knowing Christ our main priority.
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