Only one thing is important!

ONE THING!

By Tope Banso

“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 New King James Version).

Proverbs 19:21 says, “A man’s heart may be full of designs, but the purpose of the Lord is unchanging” (Bible in Basic English). Human beings are full of many plans and pursue many things, most of which are not necessary.

Many people invest their limited time on earth in ventures that end up being wasteful. Even when they achieve their plans, they could experience dissatisfaction. They could feel that something is still missing. Their heart could be yearning for one thing, which they may never know exactly.

One thing! It is useless doing everything except the one thing that is needful. If you answer every question in an examination, but fail to answer the compulsory question, you may not pass. If you achieve all your goals on earth, but you miss out on one thing that is most important, you may become miserable.

You could spend all your youthful years pursuing money and end up being a billionaire. But you could become depressed if you have neglected the one thing that you were supposed to have made your topmost priority. One thing!

David said in Psalm 27:4, “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” (New King James Version).

David’s major priority was not money, power, pleasure or fame. It was the presence of God. He wanted to spend more time with God. He knew that immense benefits will accrue to him if he could do that. What is that one thing you desire in life? Is it the right thing?

David continued in verse 5, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock” (New King James Version).

How much time do you spend with God privately in the study of His Word, meditation, worship and fellowship generally? Do you consider this a priority at all? Or you think it is for the ministers of God alone?

Without the presence of God, a human being is nothing. He could have everything on earth, but without the presence of God, he is not safe. He could even lose what he has gathered. He would miss out of the benefits that money or material things cannot give him – joy, peace, divine health and security, etc.

Is there one thing, the most important thing, you have neglected in your life? It won’t matter what other things you have taken care of.

Martha had done a good thing by welcoming Jesus into her house. She showed good hospitality by going about the house to prepare something to serve Jesus. But she was distracted from Jesus by the big dinner she was preparing for Jesus while her sister, Mary, sat down at the feet of Jesus listening to His Word.

Martha approached Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40 New King James Version).

However, Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (verses 41-42 New King James Version).

The New Living Translation puts it this way: “But the Lord said to her, My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it — and I won’t take it away from her.”

May you not be distracted to do what is good instead of what is right. Martha did what was good, but Mary did what was right. May you know that one thing that should be your priority per time and do it. Failure to do so always leads to regret later. Success in life is not about doing many good things; it is about doing the right things.

The rich young ruler, who asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life, answered Jesus that he had kept all the commandments from his youth (Luke 18:18-21). Jesus replied, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (verse 22 New King James Version).

Unfortunately, he couldn’t do this one thing. He became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. That showed that his wealth was his god, thus violating the first commandment.

One thing! There could be one thing you should say that would get you the job you’re being interviewed for. There could be one prayer point you should pray that would change your situation. There could be one thing you should say that would silence your enemy. May you know that one thing. In Luke 20:3, Jesus answered “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: The baptism of John — was it from heaven or from men?” (New King James Version).

Apparently, they knew the right answer, but they said they didn’t, because it was against them. Therefore, Jesus refused to answer their question about who gave Him the authority to do what He was doing. May the LORD give you the one word you need to speak every time.

One thing! Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 New King James Version). Notice that Paul said one thing, not two, three, or four things. Get your priority right.

If you’re not born again, giving your life to Jesus is the one thing to do now. It is not money or marriage! “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 New King James Version).

If you’re not born again, repent of your sins today and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Whoever comes to Him, He will by no means cast out.

PRAYER POINT: Father, help me not to be distracted from the one thing I need to be concerned about every time.

This is wisdom for living, and it’s worth sharing. Please share.

(For over 250 inspiring messages, visit: www.cedarministry.org).

▪Banso an Abuja-based minister and pastor and runs Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria
cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com
Tel No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523; WhatsApp No: +2349081295947