How can we ensure our choices lead to eternal benefits as in Luke 10:42? The “One Thing Necessary” (Luke 10:42) “but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Recognize What Cannot Be Taken Away - Eternal benefits are tied to fellowship with Jesus, not to temporal achievements. - Mary’s “good portion” was listening to the Lord; that investment carried an everlasting guarantee (“will not be taken away”). - 1 Peter 1:4 calls our inheritance “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” Every choice that deepens our relationship with Christ deposits into that inheritance. Anchor Choices to Christ Himself - Abide: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) - Seek first: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) - Set minds above: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Choosing Christ first orders every other decision toward what lasts. Practical Ways to Choose the “Good Portion” Every Day - Immerse in Scripture - Read, meditate, and memorize (Psalm 119:11). - Listen for specific guidance and obey immediately. - Prioritize unhurried prayerful communion - Schedule it; guard it as the day’s non-negotiable appointment. - Evaluate commitments through an eternal lens - Ask, “Does this draw me nearer to Jesus or distract me from Him?” - Practice service flowing from devotion - Serve like Martha afterward, but only after sitting like Mary first. - Cultivate gospel conversations - Speak of Christ naturally; eternal fruit often grows from simple testimonies. Guarding Against Distractions - Discern good versus best - Many “good” activities become spiritual clutter when they crowd out the “one thing.” - Limit needless noise - Reduce media intake that dulls spiritual hunger. - Establish Sabbath rhythms - Intentional rest realigns heart priorities and refreshes focus on eternity. Promises Attached to Eternal Choices - Lasting satisfaction - “LORD, You are my portion and my cup.” (Psalm 16:5) - Ever-increasing glory - “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) - Comprehensive reward - “Godliness holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) Living the Verse Choosing the “good portion” is a daily, deliberate act: sit at Jesus’ feet, listen, obey, and let every other choice flow from that fellowship. What He gives in those moments is eternally secure, guaranteed never to be taken away. |
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