"One Thing"

Scripture Reference: Luke 10:38-42

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said untl her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Ours is truly an age of "many things." Duties, pleasures, diversions and distractions of many kinds constantly occupy our attention. "So busy" is the usual refrain. The idea that there is "one thing" of supreme importance to every person is quite foreign to our generation. To be occupied with many things seems normal. How can it be otherwise in our complicated lives? To point up "one thing" and say, "This only is truly needful" seems almost childish in the face of the complexities of our everyday life. Nevertheless, when our Lord and Savior himself makes the assertion, no Christian can lightly dismiss the claim. Rather, his concern will be how he may elevate this "one thing needful" to a position where it overshadows and dominates all other "things" or considerations in his life.

Perhaps the dilemma is not as great as it may appear to be. Mary at the feet of Jesus indicates that the things of the spirit were uppermost in her thoughts. When Jesus came into the home everything else became of secondary importance. When He was gone she would no doubt go about her work with renewed joy and zest, a song in her heart.

In our lives the one thing needful assumes its proper place when at regular intervals, at private or family devotions and at public worship, we commune with our Savior in prayer and in the Word, concerning the things of the soul, letting His voice guide and direct our lives in the midst of our work-a-day business and varied occupations.