Stop at Starbucks today and you won’t be able to just order coffee. You’ll need to be more specific. This is why we no longer bat an eye at the customer in front of us who asks for a “Tall, half-caff, soy latte, extra hot” or a “Grande, quad, nonfat, one-pump, no-whip, mocha.” We love choices and Starbucks boasts that you can order their drinks in 80,000 different combinations.
However, each choice comes at a cost.
A fundamental time management principle states, “Whenever you say ‘Yes’ to something you say ‘No’ to everything else.” In other words, choices by nature are limiting. And so we ought to determine which choices are better so that we don’t miss out on what is best.
This isn’t crucially important when it comes to our Caramel Macchiato but is essential when it comes to the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we want our lives to reflect God’s Kingdom priorities. With so many options, which choices are best? What should we say “yes” to, knowing that we will have to sacrifice lesser things?
Like us, Jesus continually faced choices in life. In Mark 1:35-45, we find Him wisely navigating through several decisions to make Kingdom choices that are best. His Kingdom priorities are worth emulating.
First, Jesus chose to spend time with God more than anyone else. Jesus’ first day of ministry saw the calling of disciples, a sermon in the synagogue met with a demonic response, and the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and many others. His popularity was growing in such a short time that, the moment the sun came up the next day, everyone was looking for Him (Mark 1:37). Jesus had become an overnight sensation and His fans were clamoring for His attention. How sensible it would have been for Jesus to start His day with a power breakfast and a planning meeting with His disciples so He could get down to the business of more preaching, healing, and exorcising.
But Jesus chose something better. Mark writes, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (1:35). He prioritized getting personal time with His heavenly Father over an audience with people. Spiritual intimacy was a better choice than social activity.
Jesus’ priority reminds us of the story of Mary and Martha, two sisters who invited Jesus to be their dinner guest. While Martha scurried about the kitchen, feverish with all the meal preparations, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning from the Master. Eventually, Martha’s frustration began to boil over and she demanded that Jesus get her sister to help. Jesus refused and simply replied, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). To linger in the presence of God is better than the company of people.
If you want to align yourself with God’s Kingdom priorities, choose a time and a place, every day, to meet with Him personally. Reject the lure of urgent things and choose to be in the presence of God.
This is the best choice you can make today.
Second, Jesus chose preaching the Gospel over performing good works. So much of what impressed people was Jesus’ miraculous deeds. But, when the crowd went searching for Him, Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come” (1:38). In other words, “I’m not here for the miracles, but for the message.” It’s true that the Gospel ministry is a combination of words and works. But, ultimately, no one gets saved by getting healed. No one is reconciled to God by receiving a meal. No one is forgiven by being set free from demons. The Bible states clearly, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
So, while it’s good for us to show kindness and generosity and compassion to our neighbor, it is better to tell them the truth about Jesus. Every good work has an expiration date and will always need to be renewed. But the saving message of the cross is timeless and eternal. The best Kingdom choice you can make is to talk about Jesus.
Third, Jesus chose compassion for those on the margins over company with the majority. A man with leprosy approached Jesus begging for help. The debilitating disease was not only a problem for the one afflicted with it but contaminated those who associated with its victims. Lepers were stigmatized and therefore faced both physical and social difficulties.
Jesus showed mercy to those He could have healed from a distance by coming near, speaking to them, physically touching them, and giving them hope. Of course, Jesus’ seemingly “careless” actions continually raised eyebrows among the self-righteous elite. But the Gospel wasn’t for the majority who didn’t feel they needed anything. The Gospel is for those who feel left out, often living on leftovers. And, when God’s people courageously care for those whom most people leave behind, it leaves an indelible mark. Though Jesus instructed the leper to keep his healing a secret, he could hardly contain himself and began to share the story of Jesus’ kindness with everyone he met. When someone learns that they are of worth in God’s eyes, they can hardly contain their joy.
When in doubt, move toward those who are not like you. It’s always easier to associate with people who look and live like us. It’s much more difficult to cross boundaries to those on the margin. But when you do, you are living the priority of the Kingdom. It’s not just a good thing that you do. It is the best.
So, if you’re wondering about what to do today, follow the example of Jesus. He chose time with God before time with people. He chose to speak the truth over showing the truth. And He chose those on the margin over those in the majority. Many other choices would have been good. But Jesus chose what was best.