Choose The Better Part

Luke 10: 38-42

“38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

            This small selection of verses teach a powerful lesson and I feel It is often over looked. The Savior is telling Martha that the things she was filling her time with weren’t bad but they were taking her time away from better, more important things. As a mother this especially resonates with me.

            As a mother there are so many things to fill my days with and many tasks to accomplish. I often feel overwhelmed and guilty because of all there is to get done and all that I inevitably do not get done. I have a marriage to nurture, a child to love and care for, personal development to maintain, house hold home chores to do, food to prepare, and other miscellaneous tasks to do and errands to run. 

            These are all important and good things, however, the most important of them all is the nurturing and spiritual development of my marriage, child, and self. For me this is the “good part” that the Savior is talking about and is something that will last for eternity. This doesn’t mean that we abandon all other pursuits and demands on our time, but we need to know what our priorities are and then act accordingly.

Inclusion

One of my favorite scriptures passages from this week’s reading is found in Luke 9:46-50 “46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. 49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”

In these verses Jesus lovingly teaches us about humility and inclusion. He shows us that He loves all of us equally and that none of us is greater than another. I also feel He is asking us to not turn our nose up at anyone’s good works regardless of their religious affiliation, which I think is a common problem, especially in the religious community.

            Throughout the New Testament the Lord tells us to love others, be humble, and always forgive. It seems like an overwhelming task at times to be perfect like He is. He doesn’t expect that we will be perfect, but He does expect us to try. Setting goals and practicing these principles will help us to, over time, master them or at least get close. In this case of inclusion, reminding ourselves regularly that every person we come in contact with is a child of God and that He loves them just as much He loves us is a good place to start.

Forgiveness

From this weeks study of the New Testament the principle that caused deep thought and strong feelings for me is found in Matthew 6:15 and in Luke 6:37. Christ taught that if we do not forgive we will not be forgiven.

When we don’t forgive others we are denying that they too have access to the atonement and in turn denying ourselves it’s full power in our lives. The atonement can and does apply to all people. Christ suffered and died for us all. Forgiveness is for the individual doing the forgiving and never for the person who did the wrongdoing. It helps us to heal and to strengthen our relationship with Christ.

I wish forgiveness were always an easy process, however, in my experience, it takes practice and is a learned skill. Forgiving freely and easily isn’t something that the majority of us are able to do without many years of life experience. 

Forgiveness can be a delectate topic for many people. The pain others cause is real and at times seems insurmountable. The sorrow we experience in this life is so incredibly personal and how we cope with this pain just as unique. Christ can heal our broken hearts and with His help we can learn to forgive.

The Lords Timing

Our Father in heaven sees the big picture and knows us personally. He wants to bless us and help us though this difficult journey of mortal life. We often can’t see and don’t understand His plan or His timing for us. We get frustrated and impatient; at least I know I do.

            As I was studying about the priest, Zacharias, and his wife, Elisabeth, in Luke, chapter 1, their situation touched me deeply. I am a mother to one beautiful boy with another on the way. Knowing the joys and sorrows of motherhood I couldn’t imagine life any other way. I wish all those that had the honorable and righteous desire to become parents could. Infertility is something many people struggle with even in this day and age and it is an incredibly heartbreaking trial.

 Zacharias and Elisabeth are an excellent example of trusting the Lord, accepting His will, and remaining faithful despite trials. It says in Luke 1:6, “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

Trusting the Lord’s timing isn’t easy, especially during the midst of trials and tribulation. When we are suffering, it’s hard to see outside ourselves and to trust God. I hope that someday I can master this and that I am known to be righteous before God, regardless of my trials, just as Zacharias and Elisabeth were.