Choosing the Better Part: Finding the Stillness of Discipleship

When we think of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, we often picture action. We think of the intense hours spent in the field, the excitement of a transfer, or the tangible results of a mission—all the wonderful, necessary work. We are called to be missionaries, to be disciples everywhere, all the time. But sometimes, the greatest challenge isn't the busy schedule; it’s the subtle distraction of the good things that pull our focus away from the best thing.

The Tension Between Doing and Being

Recently, I was reminded of a passage in Luke 10 that has always held a profound lesson for me: the story of Mary and Martha. We know the narrative—Martha, understandably frazzled, is managing the household and serving the guests, while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, simply listening. At first glance, it seems like a simple comparison of service versus quiet contemplation. But as we dig into it, the lesson is far deeper than just 'don't be a Martha.' It's about understanding what true, focused discipleship looks like.

I used to assume that being useful meant being constantly active. I believed that the amount of work I did—the meals I planned, the calls I made, the comps I organized—was the measure of my faith. I was running on 'activity mode.' But the scriptures teach us that while service is paramount and necessary, our primary assignment is to cultivate the relationship with the Savior. Mary wasn't idle; she was engaged in the most profound act of discipleship: choosing to sit and listen. She chose the 'better part.'

A Lesson for the Internet Missionary

This principle is perhaps the most crucial concept for us today, the modern-day Internet missionaries. We are constantly bombarded with good, good things—more training materials, more opportunities to serve, more scriptures to read, more people to contact. Our hearts can get busy, our schedules can get full, and we can easily find ourselves doing the work (the 'Martha' phase) while neglecting the quiet, sacred time to simply listen, to learn, and to receive the Spirit (the 'Mary' phase).

We must remember that the Spirit doesn't come through exhaustion; it comes through stillness. It comes when we intentionally set aside time—even fifteen minutes—to just read the scriptures, to journal, and to allow the words to wash over us. This is how we sustain the covenants and prepare our hearts for the next wave of the work.

Sometimes, we even get bogged down in the details—the logistics, the preparation, the perfect plan—that we start to forget the *purpose* of the plan: following Christ. That reminder, that nudge back to the central focus of the Atonement, is what keeps us running.

Deepening Your Focus

If you feel like you are running on fumes, or if your to-do list feels longer than your week, I encourage you to treat this week as a focused return to Mary's practice. Take a moment to slow down. Use the digital resources available to you to help structure that time. I recommend diving into the scriptures using LivingBook. If you are studying a specific passage, utilizing the Social Scripture Study layer can be incredibly powerful. It connects you not only to the text but to the insights and discussions of other disciples, helping you see the scripture from multiple angles.

If you are feeling stuck on a theological question or worried about a specific doctrine, remember that Davee is here for you. His AI Investigator role is perfect for walking you through the tough questions an investigator might ask—allowing you to prepare not just your answers, but your heart for the Spirit's guidance.

Action Step: The Holy Places Study

For those who are ready to deepen their understanding of women's roles, or any specific topic in the Book of Mormon, I highly recommend checking out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups available in HolyPlaces. These groups are designed for intimate, in-person (or virtual) discussion, allowing you to engage in the kind of deep, thoughtful study that Mary embodied.

Remember: The work is massive, but our spiritual focus must be singular. We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and that means choosing the better part, every single time.

If this post encouraged you, please share it with a friend who might be feeling overwhelmed by their schedule. Let's keep lifting up the next generation of returned missionaries and lifelong disciples!