The Better Things of Life

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Saturday, September 20, 2025

Today's Text: Luke 10:38-42

Key Verse: Luke 10:42 (NLT): "But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

One way or the other, I believe, we must have all planned or been at a grand feast. In our kind of feasts, there are usually countless dishes to prepare and serve, and we're usually so busy making sure every guest is comfortable and every task is done to avoid laspes and shame. Then, imagine how you'd feel to see your partner, friend, brother, sister, spouse, son, or daughter sitting at the head table, in that instance, simply listening to guest conversations while you're busy running around. This will help us understand the scenario of Martha and Mary.

Martha was busy with the many tasks of hospitality, while Mary has chosen to sit at Jesus' feet, concerned with nothing but the Master's words over all the preparations. Jesus's encounter with this duo is a simple scriptural scene, I believe, was intended to reveal a profound spiritual truth about what truly matters in life—the difference between being busy with worldly tasks and being focused on what truly matters and spiritually necessary. We prioritize things that shouldn't be allowed in the first place because we lack the ability to evaluate our core values and life purpose. We are unable to determine what truly matters, as opposed to letting external circumstances or fleeting desires dictate our priorities.

When misplaced priorities are allowed to take root, they lead to mental clutter, decision fatigue, and a life misaligned with true purpose and long-term well-being. Jesus wants to help Mary to address this distraction. She must learn how to clarify her core values, eliminate or declutter her commitments, and consciously choose to prioritize things that align with life's deeper purpose, such as spiritual growth, rather than temporary or harmful fleshly pursuits. We, too, are like Mary. We often fail to identify our misplaced priorities. As Christians, we have become so misaligned with our core values. We often set priorities as casual people as if the world systems are most important to us. We also let circumstances or other people influence our values, leading to a misplaced sense of importance.

That's why we suffer mentail clutter as those in the world. We are overwhelmed with things that should give us peace because the enemy had succeeded in exchanging our priority with many things that create mental burdens for us. Before we know it, we are in spiritual distractions, bodily tiredness and mental fatigue. This is why some of us suffer temporary overlasting, burnout and unfulfilled life. That's where all the complaints, grudges and accusations come from: because you lack soulful spiritual connection.

Jesus was such an incredibly popular figure, and He was often invited to people's homes; but we must always align priorities with purpose if we must deal with Him. He wants and loves people who clarify core values and understand fundamental principles of connection with Him. He wants us to define our purpose and determine what truly motivates us. Yes, He did not mind a meal, but He cares more about our soul and every opportunity for God's truth. He understood that our attention is often split between many things, especially the demands of daily life. However, He made it clear that while those tasks are important, they can never be our main focus.

The "better part" is always our relationship with God and growing in our faith. Unfortunately, many of us get caught up in the worries and troubles of this world, just like Martha. We are often so busy with the hustle of daily life—work, chores, and endless tasks—that we neglect to spend time in God's presence. Choosing the "better part" is not about being lazy or neglecting our duties, but about intentionally setting aside time to connect with God, read His word, and grow spiritually. It's about remembering that our true purpose and fulfillment come from Him, not from the things we accomplish.

Action Steps: When we make this choice, we find peace and purpose that worldly tasks can never provide. Intentionally make space for God. Schedule time each day to be with Him. Minimize distractions. Find a quiet space where you can focus without interruption. Prioritize His Word just as Mary sat at Jesus' feet to listen. Make reading and meditating on the Bible a priority. Let His words guide and transform you.

Quote for the Day: "True rest is not about absence of or from work. It is found in the presence of God." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Mary. Thank you that we have the opportunity to choose You above all. My prayer, today, Oh Lord, is that You help me to follow Mary's example and choose the "better part" in everyvarea of my own life. Remind me to seek You first and to not be so distracted by the worries, tasks and fun of this passing world that I forget to spend time in Your presence. May I always find my rest and purpose in You—in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

_________________

Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 27:4, Psalm 73:25-26, and John 15:5.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support