It’s the first of a new year. Blank slates abound, and hopeful resolutions are being written. The possibilities are endless as we gaze out at the fresh landscape of twelve months, positioned for life change.
If you’re anything like me, you are prepped and primed with a pristine day planner. You’ve ordered your complete set of fine-tipped Sharpies so you can color-code all the events coming your way. Built into that calendar are resolutions galore—the promise that you’ll be a better version of yourself by this time next year. A list of titles you plan to read each month is alphabetized on a Google Doc because, God forbid, you’d ever be at the library without a notion of what’s next to read. You’ve prayed about a word for the year and have gone ahead and shared it with all of those in your inner circle. You’re even considering t-shirts because this word will be pivotal, and you must commemorate it. It’s a new year, and you’re ready!
I usually function this way. I carry great expectations for the year to come. Sadly, however, by the time Valentine’s Day has rolled around, I have abandoned my planner for the calendar on my phone. That Sharpie set has been separated. Some can be found in our junk drawer, while others are hiding under the seat of my car. I’ve started that first book but am only on page 22, and those resolutions are simply wisps of wishful thinking.
In reading through Luke in December, I stumbled upon the familiar depiction of Mary and Martha, two sisters hosting Jesus prior to His death and resurrection. As the story goes, Martha hurried around the house, making sure that all the details were taken care of, while Mary simply sat at the feet of Christ and shared in the moment of His presence. While
Martha grew both stressed and offended, Mary experienced peace and comfort. Martha finally gripes to the Savior of the World. His response to her is a phrase that continues to echo in my heart as 2025 opens up in all its fullness.
Jesus tells Martha, “Mary has chosen better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
This sentiment has got me thinking about the coming year, echoing in my thoughts and emotions as the curtain prepares to drop on 2024.
Rather than making a list of good things to accomplish, I’ve decided to focus on what Jesus calls better. I’m desiring to trade the temporary of best with the eternal that is better.
Too many new years have been spent striving towards worldly success and achievements I can use to puff myself up. What I’ve been left with is a counterfeit confidence. The fight leads only to anxiety and stress, and sometimes shame and embarrassment when I don’t measure up to my pre-determined standard.
This year will look different.
So, What Is Better?
Better starts with an intentional and intimate relationship with Jesus.
This isn’t a checklist, and attending church once a week isn’t going to cut it. Better is starting my day with time with Him. It looks like bringing Him my issues before I unload on my friends and family. Better is believing His promises even when my emotions and scripture are in conflict. It’s trusting His word above my circumstances and clinging to those truths for dear life.
Mary shows us in Luke 10 what better looks like. Better is making time with Jesus a priority…sitting at His feet without agenda or expectation because of who He is, not what He does for us.
Jesus says that what is better will not be taken from us.
Better is investing in those things that have eternal value—people and relationships.
This can look as surface as paying for the person behind you in line at Starbucks or as deep as having hard conversations with those you love. Better is choosing understanding over judgment. Better is choosing to make a memory and give time rather than giving stuff. Better is showing patience and grace rather than being quick to react. People are the heart of Jesus, and thus, better means we love them like He would.
Closing Thoughts
I guess when you boil it all down, the goal for 2025 was best explained by Jesus Himself in Matthew 22:
“Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.”
This is the great and supreme commandment.
And the second is like it in importance: “You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.”
For me, I want what’s better. I don’t need all the extra. With Matthew 22 as my goal, God as my guide, and people as my priority, there’s no doubt that I will experience a year like no other.
May 2025 be a year in which I grow to be a little more like Mary and a bit less like Martha.
May I surrender duty and give into the delight that is Him and His people.
May this be the year that I focus on what is better, and may it be a year like no other.
Referenced Scriptures:
Luke 10:38–42 — Mary and Martha hosting Jesus, with Mary choosing to sit at His feet.
Matthew 22:37–39 — Jesus’ greatest commandments: loving God and loving others.
Application Questions:
Reflect on Luke 10:38–42. How can you be more like Mary, prioritizing time with Jesus over busyness?
Based on Matthew 22:37–39, what steps can you take to deepen your love for God and others in 2025?
How can you align your goals with eternal values, focusing on what truly matters this year?
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