I was recently on a videoconference with a seasoned college minister and he asked me, “what have you found to be the most difficult thing about college ministry?” I thought about it for a moment, and then replied “deciding which is the best thing to do”. What I mean is that there are hundreds of “good” things we can be doing, but it’s difficult to decide which ones are the “best”?
The spiritual need on our campus and around our community is so great. How do we decide who to pursue, who to invest time and effort into, where to serve, which ministries to partner with, how to best meet the various needs, especially spiritual needs of young adults? It can quickly feel daunting and overwhelming.
This dilemma really isn’t any different from everyday life as we are trying to meet the daily demands that our various roles require. Each day we must decide who, what, which, and where to invest our precious time, resources, and energy. We can’t do it all, but we can certainly discern, with the Spirit’s help, which is the best thing to do.
I’m reminded of Martha and Mary when Jesus came by for a visit. Martha is running around the kitchen franticly cooking a meal for everyone, while her sister Mary just sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. Both of these decisions sound good, honorable and needed, but one decision was better than the other. Listen to Jesus’ response when Martha gripes about her sister not helping her cook…
Luke 10:41 (NIV) “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Now if you’re looking for me to help you answer what is the better or best thing for you to focus your attention to each day, then you may be very disappointed in this blog. However, I do know someone who can help answer that for you…
Deciding what is the best thing to do requires a great deal of discernment. Solomon recognized his need for supernatural discernment in order to lead God’s chosen people. So that is what he asked of God, and God gladly gave him a measure of wisdom and discernment far greater than anyone has known. We can do the same thing!
James 1:5-6 “5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Imagine how our effectiveness in daily life and in ministry would improve if we started every single day requesting wisdom and discernment from our generous Father, to help us “choose what is better”!
