Living an Authentic LifeSample

Choosing What is Better

We live in a world that hates hypocrisy – particularly religious hypocrisy. 

Christians claim to be men and women of God but then we see Christians treat people in a way that Jesus would never have treated them. It doesn’t add up! And that, to a world hungry for authenticity, is a huge turn-off. 

God calls His followers – that’s you and me – to live out an authentic, real, loving, sacrificial faith. So how do we do that?

Well, I believe that our attitudes, our actions, and the way we treat other people all flow from our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our life’s witness as to the authenticity of the Gospel (or not!) flows out of that relationship, but so much of life can get in the way.

So you can see what I mean, I want to introduce you to two women from the Bible, Mary and Martha. You can read their story in Luke 10:38–42; it’s short but powerful – and it contains a great lesson for you and me. 

You see, when Jesus visits their home, Martha is incredibly busy, rushing around, getting everything organized, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to absorb all He teaches. When Martha complains, Jesus simply tells her that Mary has chosen “what is better” – to spend time with Him. 

I don’t know what your life looks like, but let me urge you to take time every day to choose what is better. Because, my friend, unless you and I spend time at the feet of Jesus, we’re deluding ourselves. 

After all, when someone came and asked Jesus, “What’s the most important commandment?” here’s how He answered: 

“Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37).

In this life, you can be worried and upset about so many things. Like Martha, you can be rushed, stressed, resentful, but building your relationship with Him – taking the time to rest at Jesus’ feet, hearing Him speak, adoring Him, telling Him how much we love Him, worshipping Him … well, that changes your life! 

That’s where the authentic Christian life – a life that others will recognize as different – takes root. Because when you draw near to God, He draws near to you (James 4:8).

And there, right there, the authentic Christian life begins. 

Life Application Questions 

• Who do you relate to more, and why: Martha, with a million things on her plate? Or Mary, who sits at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him? 
• When the world looks at you, what do they see – an authentic Christian or a hypocrite? Why do you think that is? 
• What do you think you need to do to draw closer to Jesus?  
• How can you fit that into your life on a regular basis?