Choosing the “good part” can sound self-serving, and apart from the context it is. Jesus speaks of the “good part” in the gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verse 42.

Jesus was visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. As was Jesus’ custom, He was teaching whoever was around. It was about mealtime. Jesus was sitting in the house talking to the people. We do not know who all was there, but Jesus usually drew a crowd.

There was a stark contrast between the two sisters: Mary seemed neglectful of the duties at hand and was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening. Martha was being the good hostess and was busily preparing to serve her guests.

Martha was frustrated with her duties (Luke 10:40). Duty always frustrates because we can never seem to do enough, and the tasks of work are never finished. Martha complained to Jesus; she actually asked Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help her with the work.

Most of us would agree with Martha; we should get the work done before you sit down and enjoy yourself. The response of Jesus in this situation goes against our human tendencies and against most cultural norms.

Jesus told Martha, in verses 41-42, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part.”

We are deluged every day with “many things.” We must be wise to choose the “good part.” Our guide is the order of the “great commandments,” as stated in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 22. Jesus was responding to a question by a lawyer, and Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love God supremely, and the second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.

We can confuse ourselves by thinking that loving our neighbor is loving God, but God loves us and desires our love and worship, which equates to time and focus. We too easily forget that God is all powerful and all knowing, and can easily take care of all those things we elevate above Him.

It is amazing in relationships with family, and others, how much more “time” and “attention” are treasured than getting certain things done.

Jesus said, “one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part.” So live your life choosing the good part rather than being worried and troubled about “many things.”

Is this an excuse to sit around and do nothing? No, it is simply a guide to help us make the right choice when confronted with our life routines.

Put Jesus in the right place and everything else falls into place.

 

Dan Puckett works with road team operations at Life Action Ministries in Benton Harbor, Michigan.