What is the one thing that is MOST important to you this day? Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13–14 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But ONE THING I DO: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
And king David wrote in Psalm 27:4 – “ONE THING I ask from the Lord, this ONLY do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
Both passages speak about focusing on our goal – heaven and Jesus! When Jesus walked on this earth and visited his friends – Martha and Mary, Mary sat at His feet, listening intently to what her Lord was teaching her, while Martha was busy preparing the meal. Martha chastised Mary for not also being active with household chores, but Jesus gently rebuked Martha with the words in Luke 10:42 – “…but few things are needed — or indeed ONLY ONE. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Life is so busy daily, that if we do not take the time to do that ONE THING which is most important – FIRST seeking Jesus in His Word and in prayers, we will miss out on Christ’s sweet presence throughout the day. When difficulties or questions arise in our lives, we need to do that ONE most important THING and seek the answer in prayer. Christ might not reply immediately, but He WILL hear and answer according to His perfect plans and purposes for us.
Blessed, precious Redeemer, thank You that when Abba Father sent You to earth, that You did that ONE THING to save us – You died an agonising death on the Cross and did the impossible by rising again to give us resurrected life too. Thank you that when the time came for You to be received up, that You steadfastly SET YOUR FACE to go to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51). Please give me the courage to do the one thing that is most important in the world – to fix my eyes and heart on You in everything I think and do. Help me to press onwards to the goal of reaching You and my Eternal Home where my permanent address is, where You will welcome me with open arms and give me the crown of life waiting for those who are victorious in this life. Good Shepherd, thank You that I can be a part of your flock, even now, and that You help me focus on the ONE THING NEEDED – You and Your loving security. I love and adore You, Amen.
Myrtle Turunen