Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 295 – The Choice between Good and Good
One of the common traits many of you share is this: you are busy. And most often, you are busy doing good. That, however, creates a dilemma. How do we choose what to do, and when to do it, both in the moment and over the long term?
When my children were young and faced decisions, they often found themselves in the same place. Choosing between good and bad is comparatively easy, if one’s moral compass is aligned with the true north of God. Choosing between two good things to do is not. I named the dilemma for them: they were choosing ‘between good and good’. I let them make the decision, even as I suggested to be faithful to the moment and decide what is better to do now.
Jesus offers a helpful reframe in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42). Martha is doing something good: offering hospitality, meeting real needs, serving diligently. Mary chooses something that is also good: she sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. Jesus does not criticise Martha for doing the wrong thing. Instead, he gently redirects her. “Mary has chosen what is better,” he says. The issue is not good versus bad, but good versus better. The challenge is not effort, but discernment; not service, but recognising which good is most faithful in that moment.
“”Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38–42
Today, I faced such a dilemma myself. I needed to choose between finishing the budget for ReGen.Global or attending the funeral of the mother of a dear friend. Both were good and important. I chose the funeral. It was faithful to the moment. I was blessed by the service, and my friend was blessed by my company.
Now, as I sit on the subway heading home from the funeral, I feel at peace. I believe I made the right decision. Peace can be a strong indicator of faithful discernment. That peace is now the foundation from where I can now return to the budget with renewed vigour and clarity.
So today, as you discern your own choices, do ask: “What good can I do that is most faithful to this moment?”
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.” — Philippians 1:9–10
Prayer
Lord, You know the weight of our days and the goodness of our intentions.
Grant us wisdom to discern not only what is good, but what is most faithful in this moment.
Quiet our anxious striving, align our hearts with Yours,
and give us Your peace as we choose well.
Amen
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