When Good Becomes the Enemy of Best
Never Choose Good At The Expense of Best
There is a higher good that we call best and best always takes precedence over good. The biblical narrative of two sisters, Martha and Mary, offers valuable insight into the process of choosing one over the other. Our story is found in Luke’s gospel (10:38-42) where we see a very hospitable Martha opening her home for Jesus and His disciples.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
From Martha’s perspective, her home is filled with many guests that must be served a meal. Those experienced in accommodating such a crowd are well aware of the necessary preparations to host such a gathering. However, Mary is viewing things from a different perspective. Indeed, there are many preparations to be made, but they can wait—Jesus is in the house and he is sharing life-changing truths.
The best food is being served at the feet of Jesus, the Bread of Life, and Martha is missing what is best because she is “distracted” by what is good. She is overly concerned and anxious about the many things that must be done. She is upset and troubled because Mary is, in her mind, shirking her responsibilities. No longer can she contain her perceived injustice. Overwhelmed by emotion she interrupts Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?”
Martha was absolutely convinced that the chief order of business was to prepare a wonderful meal for her honored guest. In Martha’s mind, sitting at Jesus’ feet soaking in the words of life was important but not as important as the preparations and serving. The word “distracted” or “cumber” in the KJV is translated from the Greek perispaō: to draw away, in the sense of being over-occupied about a thing. It is possible that Martha was sitting with Mary and began growing distracted as her thoughts drifted away from Jesus words and turned to the many preparations needed. Perhaps as she compiled a mental list of all that would need to be done she slipped away to begin the required task. Mary, on the other hand, would not budge but was focused on Jesus and the words of life he was sharing which is where Martha should have remained.
Martha’s distraction is an all too familiar struggle that everyone faces. Our duties, responsibilities, commitments, leisure, pleasures and the many unexpected things we encounter all conspire to distract or cumber our closeness to Christ. Finding time for daily prayer in His presence, meditation in His word, attending the church gatherings, and being committed to accomplishing His will for our lives must wait because of the many good things that demand our immediate attention. Consequently, like Martha, we may neglect what is best as we are compelled and driven to do the lesser good instead of the higher good that we call best.
There are always unintended consequences when we reject what is best to appease the demands of good, especial in spiritual matters. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate the many good choices we are making and choose as Mary chose.
but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)
