I was in prison this past week, waiting for a graduation ceremony to begin. Chatting with one of the men in that program, I asked if he could share something he’d learned. Moving his hands around his head in a mixing motion, he said it was all up there, but he couldn’t grab it. I knew the feeling. Many programs list 12 steps for this or 9 keys for that. You feel you’re using assembly instructions written by someone who doesn’t speak your language.
When, a few minutes later, I was asked to give an impromptu talk to the graduates, I thought I’d address that issue.
“I am afraid,” said Paul, “that your minds may be led astray from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3, MSB) If it was a problem then, it’s epidemic now.
Remember this? “The most important thing is to make sure the most important thing is always the most important thing.” So I used some Bible texts highlighting the most important thing.
David was a capable shepherd, a renowned soldier and monarch, an accomplished musician and composer. But his life was laser-focused. “ONE THING I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4) This may seem like three things, but it’s really one. He wanted to be at home with God and be friends with Him so he could know Him better. He was right on target. Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)
Once Jesus met a rich man who seemed interested in spiritual things. Jesus told him, “You lack ONE THING: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” (Mark 10:21) Jesus didn’t tell everyone to divest, but He knew this fellow didn’t have money—it had him. Jesus wanted him to be rich with real treasure, but the man, like many caught in the web of wealth, couldn’t let go.
Christians can be too busy, even doing good. That was the case with Jesus’ friend, Martha. When she complained that her sister Mary was sitting listening to Him instead of helping, “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord replied, ‘you are worried and upset about many things. But only ONE THING is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42, BSB) Mary’s still at Jesus’ feet!
Paul wrote almost half the New Testament, preached extensively, planted churches, and traveled great distances. But listen! “I focus on this ONE THING: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to…receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)
Anyone can juggle one ball. Earlier Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ.” (Philippians 1:21) Christ in your personal life, your family life, your business life. It’s not always easy, but it’s simple.
These ONE THING verses all describe the same thing—to bring Christ into all of life, enjoy Him, and grow in knowing Him better each day.
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Saturday, August 24, 2024.