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Good, Better, Best

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“Just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.

“Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. While she was ‘cumbered about much serving’ (Luke 10:40), her sister, Mary, ‘sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word’ (v. 39). When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing (v. 41) but taught her that ‘one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her’ (v. 42). It was praiseworthy for Martha to be ‘careful and troubled about many things’ (v. 41), but learning the gospel from the Master Teacher was more ‘needful.’ The scriptures contain other teachings that some things are more blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; Alma 32:14–15). …

“As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. …

“Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best” (“Good, Better, Best,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104–5).

Back to page 83.

Notes