In no uncertain terms, Jesus sets Christian behavioral standard: “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:42).
Christians hold the “better part” as essential, not optional. It happens when we go to Jesus, when we sit at His feet, when we attentively listen to Him.
Elsewhere in the New Testament, the “better part” is expressed by making our way to God to receive His help: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
We are God’s children. We belong to God. We’ve got this moment because God’s got us whenever we choose the better part, whenever we draw near God’s throne of grace.
So, too, are we aided anew by the psalmist’s echo: “Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven earth” (Psalm 124:8). Elsewhere the psalmist sounds a dire warning against putting trust in princes, whatever form worldly elites assume today as politicians, entertainers, media pundits, entrepreneurs, or societal influencers.
- Choose the better part.
- Draw near God’s throne of grace.
- Let your help be the LORD.
Resist Satan’s lure to spiral into an emotional inferno. Renounce evil spirits in Jesus’ Holy Name seeking to fuel irrational frenzy, whether it be gloating or wallowing.
When everything was most uncertain, Lincoln voiced these words in his 2nd Inaugural Address:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work; …to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
Even if political, business, entertainment and media elites elect to act unhinged, let our fruit be born of the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Come O Most Holy Spirit. You are welcome here. You are wanted here.