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Understanding the Good Portion in Scripture
The phrase “good portion” is a concept deeply rooted in Scripture, often symbolizing something of great value, something worth choosing over other distractions. One of the most notable references to the “good portion” comes from the story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke. In this story, Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. While Martha busied herself with preparing the house and serving Jesus, Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen to His teachings. When Martha expressed her frustration, asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her, Jesus gently rebuked her, saying, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
This interaction offers profound insight into what the “good portion” truly is. It is not just a literal portion of food or material possessions, but rather something far more valuable — a choice to prioritize God’s presence and His word over all other distractions. In the case of Mary, her decision to sit at Jesus’ feet, to focus on His teachings, was the “good portion” because it brought her closer to the heart of God. It wasn’t just about physical food or tasks, but about nourishing her soul with the wisdom and love of Christ.
The Bible teaches us that there are many things we can pursue in life, but not all of them hold eternal value. In the same way Martha was distracted by her duties, we too can become consumed by the demands of daily life — work, responsibilities, and even good deeds — that can pull us away from spending intentional time with God. The “good portion” in Scripture, then, represents the choice to invest in our relationship with God, recognizing that this is what satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.
In a world that constantly urges us to do more and achieve more, the story of Mary and Martha serves as a gentle reminder that we don’t need to be overwhelmed by the busyness of life. The good portion is available to us in every moment, and it is found in quiet, intentional time spent with our Savior.
The Temptation to Choose Distractions Over the Good Portion
In our modern world, the temptation to choose distractions over the “good portion” is ever-present. We live in a culture that often praises busyness, productivity, and the constant striving for more. Whether it’s work, social media, or the pressure to meet expectations, we are continually pulled in a thousand directions, leaving little room to focus on what truly satisfies the soul. Like Martha in the story of Mary and Martha, we often become so wrapped up in our daily tasks and responsibilities that we forget to prioritize what is most important.
Many of us find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of life, thinking that our worth is measured by what we accomplish, how much we achieve, or how much we can provide for others. The distractions of the world can make it difficult to hear God’s voice calling us to come away with Him and find rest in His presence. These distractions may not even be inherently bad things; after all, caring for our families, serving in ministry, and pursuing our careers are all important. However, when we place them above our relationship with God, we can easily lose sight of what is truly valuable.
The temptation is to believe that we don’t have time to sit at the feet of Jesus or that we will be more fulfilled by checking off our to-do lists or achieving the next goal. We might justify our distractions by telling ourselves that we are being responsible, but in reality, these busyness-driven choices often leave us feeling empty and worn out. Just as Martha’s anxiety over serving left her feeling frustrated and disconnected from Jesus, we too can become so consumed with our duties that we lose the peace and joy that come from spending time with God.
Choosing the “good portion” means intentionally stepping away from the noise of the world and seeking the stillness that God offers. It’s about making space in our lives to listen to God’s Word, to reflect, and to be still in His presence. It requires the discipline to say “no” to distractions, even when they seem urgent, so that we can say “yes” to something far more important — a deeper connection with God.
As we face the daily temptations to prioritize the noise of the world, we must remember that the good portion is not fleeting or temporary. It’s not a task that can be checked off or a goal that can be achieved. The good portion is a relationship — a relationship with God that offers lasting peace, joy, and fulfillment. Choosing it may require us to step away from distractions, but the rewards are immeasurable.
The Spiritual Benefits of Choosing the Good Portion
When we choose the “good portion,” we are choosing a life that is rooted in something far greater than the temporary distractions of the world. The benefits of this choice are not just about finding peace in the moment, but about cultivating a deeper spiritual life that brings lasting fulfillment. Just as Jesus assured Mary that she had chosen “what is better,” the good portion offers spiritual nourishment that feeds the soul in ways nothing else can.
One of the most profound benefits of choosing the good portion is the peace that comes from being in God’s presence. In the busyness of life, we often struggle with anxiety, stress, and the feeling that we are not doing enough. Choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet, as Mary did, allows us to surrender our worries and burdens, and find rest in Him. Jesus Himself promised this rest to all who are weary: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This is not the temporary rest we find in sleep or relaxation, but a deep, soul-satisfying peace that comes from aligning our hearts with God’s will.
Another spiritual benefit is the wisdom and guidance that comes from choosing the good portion. When we intentionally spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, we are opening ourselves to His guidance and direction for our lives. In a world full of voices vying for our attention, God’s voice remains steady and sure. He offers us wisdom in our decisions, clarity in our purpose, and a sense of direction that cannot be found in the chaos of everyday life. By choosing to spend time with Him, we receive the nourishment our spirits need to grow in faith and understanding.
Furthermore, the good portion strengthens our relationship with God. Just as any relationship thrives on time spent together and meaningful conversation, our relationship with God grows when we choose to prioritize time with Him. This deepens our love for Him and strengthens our trust in His plans for us. The more we spend time in His presence, the more we begin to reflect His love and grace in our own lives, allowing us to share that peace and love with others.
Lastly, choosing the good portion allows us to live with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The world tells us to pursue success, wealth, and recognition, but none of these things can provide the deep, soul-level satisfaction that comes from knowing and loving God. When we choose the good portion, we are choosing a life that is centered on God’s purposes, not our own. This alignment with His will gives us a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment, even in the midst of challenges.
In the end, choosing the good portion is not just about finding rest or peace in the moment; it’s about living a life that is spiritually nourished, rooted in God’s presence, and aligned with His purpose. The rewards of this choice are far greater than anything the world has to offer, bringing lasting fulfillment and a joy that transcends circumstances.
How to Make the Choice for the Good Portion in Our Daily Lives
Choosing the “good portion” is not always easy, especially in a world that constantly pulls us in different directions. However, it is a choice that we can make daily, and it begins with small, intentional steps. Making time for God amidst the busyness of life requires discipline, but the benefits are immeasurable. Here are some practical ways to incorporate the good portion into your daily life:
- Set Aside Time for Quiet Reflection and Prayer
Just as Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, we must carve out time to be still before God. This may look like starting your day with a quiet moment of prayer or spending time in the evening reflecting on God’s Word. It doesn’t have to be a long time, but it should be intentional. In our busy lives, it’s easy to fill every moment with tasks, but dedicating a set time each day to God helps us stay focused on what truly matters. - Prioritize Spiritual Nourishment
Just as we nourish our bodies with food, we must also nourish our souls. This can be done by reading the Bible daily, meditating on Scripture, or listening to a sermon or devotional. In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual health, but choosing the good portion means making sure that we are feeding our hearts and minds with God’s Word. The Bible offers wisdom, peace, and guidance that can’t be found anywhere else. - Create Space for Simplicity
Sometimes the reason we struggle to choose the good portion is because our lives are filled with so many distractions and commitments. One way to make space for God is to simplify your life. This might mean saying “no” to certain activities or reducing your commitments so that you can spend more time in God’s presence. Simplifying doesn’t mean doing less for others, but it does mean being intentional about not overcommitting and choosing to prioritize the things that bring you closer to God. - Practice Gratitude and Contentment
In choosing the good portion, we also cultivate an attitude of gratitude and contentment. The distractions of the world often arise from a sense of dissatisfaction or a desire for more. However, when we choose to be content with what we have and grateful for God’s provision, we create space for peace and joy. Remember, the good portion is not found in what we accumulate, but in the relationship we have with God. By practicing gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God’s love and grace in our lives. - Engage in Fellowship with Other Believers
While personal time with God is essential, we are also called to be part of a community of believers. Engaging in fellowship with others can help us stay focused on the good portion and provide accountability. Whether it’s through attending church, joining a small group, or simply meeting with fellow believers for prayer and encouragement, fellowship keeps us grounded in God’s truth and provides support as we navigate life’s challenges.
Choosing the good portion is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Each day presents us with opportunities to prioritize our relationship with God over the distractions of the world. As we consistently make this choice, we will find ourselves growing in peace, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment. Just as Mary’s decision to sit at Jesus’ feet was honored by Christ, so too will our decision to prioritize Him in our lives bring lasting joy and eternal rewards.
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🌿May God grant you peace as you move forward with His love as your guide
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the reminder to choose the good portion, to seek Your presence above all else. Help us in our busy lives to make time for You, to nourish our spirits with Your Word, and to prioritize our relationship with You. Grant us peace, contentment, and joy as we sit at Your feet, trusting that You will guide us in all things. May we find fulfillment not in the distractions of the world, but in Your eternal love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
