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| A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver |
DAVID - "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; 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 enquire in his temple" (Ps 27:4). David had a large family and was king of Israel. No doubt, there were many things that were requiring his attention and yet, he still sought after just "one thing". It was his goal, his aim, to dwell in the presence of God forever. He did not want simply have an affection for the temple, he had an affection for God. He wanted to behold the Lord's beauty. Moses had the same desire when he beseeched the Lord, "show me Your glory". With this "one thing" mentality David found great comfort and blessing and we are not surprised to learn that he was, indeed, "a man after mine own heart" according to God.
PAUL - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:13-14). The apostle Paul was a busy man and had a past that could have haunted him. He referred to himself as the "chiefest of sinners" in one place. But he would not be distracted by what happened before. He described his life as consisting of "one thing" - that is, forgetting what lies behind him and pressing on to what lies ahead, even Christ Jesus his Lord. He would not be moved from this quest and it governed his every moment. In an effort to finish his course and complete his mission he would spend every moment striving to make it to heaven and bring as many people with him as possible. He had "one thing" on his mind.
JESUS - "And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but [only] one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her'" (Lk 10:41-42). While Martha was concerned about "many things" it was Mary who was honored for her "one thing" mentality. Martha was busy with "religious activity" (if you will) serving the Lord, preparing a meal, tending to the house. But it was Mary that was drawing near to Jesus, Himself. God is always the point of true religious activity. Where God is pushed to the background, you are only left with distractions (even if they are done in the name of Jesus). Jesus does have preeminence in these days - first place in all things. He is the "one thing" that is needful. When He is speaking, the good thing to do is to be still and hear.
Do not be led astray today. Only one thing is necessary. When our lives come to a close we will give an account of what we did with this life. You want to be able to say, "I sought after one thing. I sought after the Lord my God". And take heart, for those who diligently seek Him, will find Him.
Early in his reign David sat before the Lord, took stock of his blessings, and concluded, "For Your word's sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them" (2 Sam 7:21). What a great realization, to know that the Lord desires that we know His word and His heart. These are great "things" to strive for. Let us use our time and energy here on earth wisely as we prepare for eternity.
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