Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? Do you find yourself constantly busy, yet wondering if you're really accomplishing what matters most? In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity, even in our spiritual lives. But what if I told you that the key to true fulfillment and effectiveness isn't doing more, but choosing what's better?

The Tale of Two Sisters

Let's look at a familiar story from Luke 10:38-42. Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Martha and Martha. While Martha busies herself with preparations, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. Martha, frustrated by her sister's apparent laziness, complains to Jesus. But His response is surprising:

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 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 10:41-42).

This story illustrates a profound truth: in our spiritual lives, there's often a warfare going on – not against external forces, but in resetting our priorities.

The Danger of Distraction

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was so focused on serving Jesus that she missed the opportunity to be with Him. How often do we fall into the same trap? We can become so busy doing things for God that we neglect our relationship with Him.

I've observed this pattern over the years, which is why I made a covenant with God years ago. I said, "God, I never want to serve you from a place of frustration." Because the moment I serve from frustration, I become ineffective. You can't bear fruit if you're frustrated – you'll only bear the fruit of frustration.

Choosing What's Better

So what's the alternative? It's choosing what Mary chose – to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His words. This doesn't mean we neglect our responsibilities, but it does mean we prioritize our relationship with God above everything else.

Here's what I've learned: lovers of God outwork the workers. People who prioritize their relationship with Jesus don't just come in all fired up, ready to do something for God, and then burn out two years later. They have the sustainability to fulfill their God-given assignment.

The One Thing That Can't Be Taken Away

Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen what was better, and it wouldn't be taken away from her. Think about that for a moment. In a world where everything is temporary, where we can lose our possessions, our health, even our loved ones, there's one thing that can never be taken from us – our relationship with Jesus.

As David said in Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

The Power of Sitting at Jesus' Feet

Later in the Gospels, we see the fruit of Mary's choice. When her brother Lazarus dies, it's Mary who moves Jesus to tears and action. While Martha receives a theological truth from Jesus, Mary receives His compassion and sees His power in raising Lazarus from the dead.

This shows us that when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, we position ourselves to see His power at work in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Putting It Into Practice: Resetting Our Priorities

So how do we apply this in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Evaluate your schedule: Are you making time to sit at Jesus' feet daily?

2. Identify distractions: What "many things" are worrying and upsetting you?

3. Choose the "one thing": Commit to prioritizing your relationship with Jesus above all else.

4. Serve from a place of worship: Let your actions flow from your time with Jesus, not from frustration or obligation.

5. Trust in the sustainability of intimacy with God: Remember, it's not about doing more, but about being with Him more.

As we reset our priorities and choose what's better, we'll find that we're not just more effective in our service, but we're also more fulfilled, more at peace, and more in tune with God's heart. And that, my friends, is something that can never be taken away from us.