The One Thing
“I focus on this one thing...” (Philippians 3:13 NLT)
The word priority means the first thing of importance. It was always singular until the 1900s. The plural form priorities entered the English vocabulary around the 1940s as multiple tasks competed for attention. These days, both the singular and plural forms have lost their significance. Now we have priority mail--where millions of packages are considered of utmost importance. We can purchase priority boarding options and line up with a group of people to get on a flight before those who didn’t pay extra. We get priority emails that are flagged as important but are often spam.
Unlike now, ancient people knew the value of knowing the one thing that was of highest importance.
“The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.” (Psalm 27:4 NLT)
King David had figured out his priority. He desired communion with God. He became singularly focused on being in God’s presence.
“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42 NLT)
Martha is concerned about the many tasks that she needs to do. Meanwhile, Mary sits and listens to Jesus. Mary had discovered the one thing that was worthwhile: communion with Jesus.
“I focus on this one thing...I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT)
St. Paul is determined to pursue his priority. He has a one-track mind when it comes to his desire for complete union with Christ. He continues to press on to reach his goal no matter the circumstances.
What is the one thing that you are living for? Pray for the grace to be singularly focused on this priority so that you don’t dissipate your energy and resources on trivialities.
Lord, help me to prioritize communion with You above all else. Let me be absorbed completely in You.