Choose Jesus

2 Corinthians 10:5

"Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." The good news is that while there are many things in life over which you have no control, you get to choose what you think about. When Jesus visited the sisters of Martha and Mary, Martha was cooking, while Mary was listening to Jesus. Mary had started out across the room from Jesus, but as Jesus spoke, she couldn’t stop listening. She moved closer and closer, until she sat at Jesus' feet. All her thoughts were fixed on Jesus, while Martha’s thoughts "were distracted by all the preparations" (Luke 10:40). "Tell Mary to help me!" The whole room waited to hear what Jesus would say.

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (verses 41-42). When it comes to our thoughts, we have a choice. We can focus on the worries of this world. Or we can fix our thoughts on the “only one” that will not be taken from us. “Mary has chosen what is better,” Jesus said (v. 42). Let’s do the same. Just as Jesus entered into Martha and Mary’s living room, he has entered into our hearts. That means no matter where we are or what trials come our way, we can sit in his presence and fix our thoughts on his truth. When we return to our “new normal,” we can choose to heal with our words and our presence. We can be carriers of love instead of division and hate. We can be carriers of kindness, compassion and empathy. We can sit at the feet of Jesus, listen to his truth, and follow Him. Let’s choose what is better!

Let us pray: Jesus, we love You. Help us to abide in you. No matter what difficulty we’re facing and when we feel afraid and anxious, please bring your peace. Turn our hearts to your Word, and help us to hear your gentle, kind voice. You love us, and you have good planned for us. We trust you. Help us take your love to a hurting world. Amen.