The Hierarchy of Choice: Moving from Good to Best
Life is essentially a sum of the decisions we make. Some are trivial, but others shape the trajectory of our souls.
Here is a four-step hierarchy of decision-making found in Scripture. It doesn’t just contrast "right vs. wrong"; it challenges us to move from bad, to good, to better, and finally, to the best.
Let’s look at this ladder of choices and see where we stand today.
1. A Bad Choice: Retreating to Comfort
“And [Hobab] said to him, ‘I will not go; but I will depart to my own land and to my kindred.’” — Numbers 10:30
In this passage, Moses invites his brother-in-law, Hobab, to journey with Israel to the Promised Land. Moses promises, "Come with us, and we will treat you well."
Hobab’s response is a tragedy of missed opportunity. He chooses the familiar over the faithful. He chooses his "own land" over God’s destination.
The Lesson: This is a bad choice because it prioritizes past comfort over future calling. It is the choice to stay where it is safe rather than go where God is moving.
2. A Good Choice: Stepping into the Unknown
“Then they called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ And she said, ‘I will go.’” — Genesis 24:58
Contrast Hobab with Rebekah. When Abraham’s servant came looking for a bride for Isaac, Rebekah was faced with a massive decision: leave everything she knew to marry a man she had never met, in a land she had never seen.
Her response was immediate and courageous: "I will go."
The Lesson: This is a good choice. It is the willingness to step out in faith. It is the "Yes" that launches a spiritual journey. Without this kind of choice, we never leave our comfort zones to find God’s will.
3. A Better Choice: A Public Commitment
“...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
Joshua stands before the nation of Israel at the end of his life. He doesn't just ask them to follow; he draws a line in the sand. He demands a specific, exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, rejecting the idols of the culture around them.
The Lesson: This is a better choice because it is a defined, lifelong commitment of service. It isn't just a one-time "I will go" (like Rebekah); it is a daily "I will serve." It takes faith and turns it into dedication.
4. The Best Choice: The One Thing Needed
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:42
Finally, we arrive at the feet of Jesus. Martha is busy making the "better" choice—she is serving, working, and doing. But Mary is sitting and listening.
Jesus tells us that Mary chose the "best" part. While Hobab chose comfort, Rebekah chose faith, and Joshua chose service, Mary chose intimacy.
The Lesson: This is the best choice. Service is noble, and faith is essential, but communion with Christ is the ultimate goal. This is the only choice that "will not be taken away." Service ends when we can no longer work; intimacy lasts into eternity.
The Takeaway
The outline challenges us to examine our current season of life:
Are you Hobab, clinging to the familiar?
Are you Rebekah, willing to start the journey?
Are you Joshua, dedicated to serving God’s house?
Or are you Mary, understanding that being with Jesus is even more important than doing things for Him?