5: Sit at Jesus’ Feet

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Asking God for wisdom is especially valuable because his priorities for us aren’t always what we think they should be. Just ask Lazarus’ sister, Martha. When Jesus visited Lazarus’ home, Martha morphed into a whirlwind of a woman bent on (seemingly) the highest priority imaginable: literally serving Jesus. As she dashed back and forth, Martha’s eyes glinted a little steelier at every glimpse of her sister, Mary, settled at Jesus’ feet. How could that girl have the audacity to sit there, leaving all the work to Martha? Mary obviously needed to straighten her priorities—and Martha made sure Jesus knew it.

Luke 10:41-22 (NIV) describes what happened next: “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.”

Mary’s story reminds us that even amidst chaotic responsibilities, one of the highest priorities we can set is resting in the presence of Jesus.

6: Seek Wisdom

When we spend time with Jesus, we’ll likely find that instead of losing minutes from our day, we end up having “more” time because we’re better attuned to the one who helps us spend time wisely. Scripture reveals that seeking God’s wisdom is one of the best ways to invest time, because wisdom’s profits trickle down to every area of life.

King Solomon could tell us. Throughout Proverbs, he extolled wisdom as a treasure worth far more than earthly wealth. He wrote in Proverbs 8:11-12 (NIV), “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

In a world bent on turning time into money, Solomon’s insights suggest that the rat race is missing the point. How much better to wait at wisdom’s doors (Proverbs 8:34), pursue the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), and wind up with riches that last (Proverbs 8:18).

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