Why Not Choose That Which Is Better?
(Part 1)
Charles G. Maples, Sr.
It is generally understood that most of us really desire to have “the better things in life.” However, it usually is not a question of whether we want “the best,” but whether we are willing to “pay the price!” While desiring “the best,” we are usually looking for “bargain prices!”
This principle has a Spiritual application. All “right-thinking” people truly desire “The Better” for their Eternal welfare, but not only have a difficult time in deciding just what that is, but having determined WHAT that “Better Part” is, are unwilling to “Pay the Price!”
In Mark 10:17-22 we have the story of what seems to have been a man sincerely desiring “the best;” the inheritance of “Eternal Life!” You will note that he “came running, and knelt down before (Jesus) and asked Him, “ Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” The Savior “quoted to him the Price” – “..sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (v. 21) But hearing what “the Best” would cost him, we are told that the young man, “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions!” (v. 22) We might say that the young man was beset with the most universally common “sin,” that of considering material “things” to be “better” than the Eternal Provisions of God! He “gave His only begotten Son”(John 3:16), and Jesus “tasted death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9)
Actually, Jesus; while often challenging us to “Choose The Better;” (Luke 10:42 -NIV) is offering “The Better,” at “Bargain Price” to us, because He has “Paid It All!”
Let’s consider just a few of the many Scriptures in which Heaven is urging us to “Make the Right Choice;” to accept the offer of what Divine Wisdom knows is “THE BEST” for us, “In The Long Run!”
“FEAR OF THE LORD” In Proverbs 15:16 we read, “BETTER is little, with fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Herein our SENSE OF VALUES is critically important! The person who has LITTLE of this world’s goods, but has Reverence for God, is truly BETTER OFF! The answer to Jesus’ question in Matthew 16:26 is quite obvious! “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul….?” Such choice is to give up “THE BEST,” in exchange for the WORTHLESS! – AND “EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT!” (Matt. 25:46)
“LITTLE WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS” In Proverbs 16:8 we read, “Better is little with righteousness, than great revenues without justice.” You may be poor in this world’s goods, and at the same time be SPIRITUALLY WEALTHY! To the “little church” in Smyrna, Jesus said, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)..” (Revelation 2:9)
Then, there was the “big rich church at Laodicea, which considered itself “rich and increased with goods; and having need of nothing…” but then the Lord reminded them that they were, wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!” (Revelation 3:17) The little church in Smyrna had chosen “THE BETTER!”
FOR NOW, OR FOR ETERNITY? That is “The Question” that we must answer for ourselves! Who would be so foolish as to argue about which was the better off; the rich man, or Lazarus, in Luke 16? According to the standards of the world, there would be no question as to which “had it better” IN THIS LIFE! The rich man had an abundance of the “good things” (v. 25); in fact Abraham said that he had “fared sumptuously every day” while poor Lazarus begged for crumbs!” But NOW (and for eternity) the rich man is SHUT OFF FROM GOD, and that in unceasing torment while Lazarus is to be with the Lord in His matchless glory throughout the endless ages, which the apostle Paul says is, “FAR BETTER!” (Philippians 1:23)
IN CONCLUSION: I ask you, dear reader, do you REALLY want the “Better in the long run?” If so, then choose the “Better Part,” as did Mary (Luke 10:42). “Sit at the feet of Jesus.” Learn His will, and DO IT, so that when this life is over you may “have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gate into the city.” (Revelation 22:14) This is for those who “do His commandments.”
Through a study of His Word we find that one must BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:21-24), REPENT of his sins (Luke 13:3), CONFESS his faith in the Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:13; Rom. 10:9-10), and be BAPTIZED for remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Then that “child of God” is to heed the words of Jesus, as found in Revelation 2:10, “BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, and I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE!” You surely desire to have “THE BETTER PART” when this life is over. Are you willing to “pay the price” of OBEDIENCE to His will (Hebrews 5:8-9) NOW? That is “the Best Choice,” even while in this life, as well as that which is surly ahead, for you.