We can be the most productive people on the planet when it comes to avoiding something we don’t want to do. Have you ever noticed that? When I have a book deadline, and I really need to be writing, I can find so many things that need to be done before I get to actually writing. They can be good things, but they still keep me from what I’m supposed to be doing.

Martha and Her Good Deeds

In the story of Mary and Martha, we see first-hand how this plays out. We know that Mary chose to spend time with Jesus, but Martha was too busy. We’re hard on Martha, but have you ever had people over? I can sympathize with Martha. When you’re the one hosting the party or get-together, there’s a lot to do. She needed to make sure everything was ready to go, and she needed her sister’s help to pull it off.

Martha settled for good when she could have had best. Jesus, the Son of God, was coming to her house to visit with her. She could sit next to him and learn from Him. What an amazing opportunity! But she chose to do something good–cooking for Jesus. That was good, really good. How many people got to feed Jesus and take care of Him when He came over? Yet, this good thing kept her from the best thing–spending time learning from Jesus.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.  But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

Luke 10:38-40

Distracted by Good Things

One of the ways Satan manipulates us is by sidetracking us with good things. Those things, in and of themselves are not bad. In fact, they’re really good. But when something keeps us from doing what we know we need to do, it becomes a bad thing.

Over the years, people always come to Matt and I with the reasons they missed church. We really don’t need to know, but people feel like they have to confess it to us. So many times, it’s not bad things that keep people away. It’s good things, but it kept them from coming to church.

Settling for Good

I’ve had a few times recently when different people have reached out to me because they feel discouraged or frustrated with life, and yet, they miss church or small group. Or they can’t seem to find time to read their Bible. They’re so discouraged, and yet they don’t go to the place where they can find encouragement and hope. They’re so lonely, and yet, they don’t come to a place where they can fellowship and be encouraged.

Satan keeps us distracted with good things. Instead of going for best, we settle for good. All the while we’re missing out on God’s best for us. We spend Sunday morning with that person who’s having a hard time, thinking we’re being a blessing to them. In reality, the best thing we could have done was go to church so we could get filled up. Then go visit them. We skip our morning time routine because we want to get more accomplished in our morning. Yet, everything falls apart around us because we didn’t spend time with God; and we end up getting nothing accomplished anyway.

As you’re moving through life, watch out for those distractions that Satan sends that are good but not the best. Hold out for God’s best and stay focused on following His leading. He’ll never lead you wrong.

More Encouragement

For more encouragement on this topic, check out Lisa TerKeurst’s book, The Best Yes.