Many things in life are urgent, but much fewer things are necessary! Sometimes doing what’s necessary and laying aside what seems so urgent may have the appearance of carelessness, but those who let urgent things constantly distract them will live a life that’s busy but unprofitable. You’ve heard the phrase, “The tail wagging the dog.” Solid priorities keep us from busyness that steals from significance! Ultimately, doing what God has you to do will prove to be the best choice!

Luke chapter 10 records the story of an important dinner being held at Mary and Martha’s house. Martha was in her element, making and preparing food. As a hard worker, she was busy, doing her best to accommodate all the guests. On the other hand, Mary, her sister, was sitting at the feet of Jesus, mesmerized by the profound and exciting eternal truths Jesus was revealing. Martha felt like Mary was being very irresponsible and became so frustrated that she broke up the whole meeting to get Jesus to make her sister come and help. What Jesus said to Martha, in response, was profound – take a look!

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

We must prioritize our lives by putting “1st things 1st, 2nd things 2nd, and 3rd things 3rd! One of Jesus’ most famous and important instructions for the church was, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Mt 6:33

It is easy to wake up in the morning and get busy doing everything that seems so urgent when what is most necessary is our time with God. Oh, how important it is that we hear his voice every day! When we put God first, the things we need the most for our life will chase us instead of us chasing them.

The enemy is always trying to get us so busy that we don’t have time for what gives us strength. Isaiah said, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isa 40:28–31

This beautiful chorus, written by Larnelle Harris, says it so clearly. The song is written with God as the one speaking. Maybe you can hear God speaking to you?

“I miss my time with you, those moments together

I need to be with you each day, and it hurts Me when you say

You’re too busy – busy trying to serve Me

But how can you serve Me when your spirits empty

There’s a longing in My heart wanting more than just a part of you

It’s true; I miss My time with you.”

Putting God first in your day is the quickest way to prosperity in every area of your life! May you be inspired today to make sitting at Jesus’ feet your highest priority! Don’t let the enemy fool you into being caught up with all those “seemingly” urgent things that steal what is most important for your life! As I pray for you today, I pray that you will heed this sweet call of God to your heart and determine to do what Mary did…

CHOOSE WHAT IS BETTER