One Thing

It was my turn to share something during devotion in our office this morning and I thought hard about what I should share (or was it suppose to be "pray hard?"). Then I thought about my life - where I've been, where I am right now, and where I'm going. Sometimes thoughts like these scares me because I am forced to think about the possibility that I could be living a big mistake, and end up in regret. Come on, be honest, haven't you thought the same before? No? Dang... I always knew I was the odd one out.

As I thought about my life, I realized that I've done quite a bit with it - as in I've done many, many things - and whether or not they were significant is another story. I tried evaluating where my life stands right now, and I do wonder if I'm doing too much with my life (only 2 "free" evenings this month) or if anything I am doing really do matter (so busy for what?).

Then I thought about the power of doing just "one thing." I thought if I could only summarize my entire life into just "one thing," I think I'd be able to really nail it. If I could only know what my one purpose is in life, I don't have to meddle in things that don't matter and live in fear of regret. Then I remembered Ps. Kenneth's message "What Have I Done with My Life," and realized he touched on a similar theme as the one in my head. Two possibilities came to my mind: either great minds do think alike, or I wasn't really listening to his message! I'd like to opt for the former. So yeah, the power of "one thing" really also means the power of "focus" and knowing your "purpose." They don't start with the same letter, but they do rhyme! (Hehe... ACTS internal joke)

So I went to the Bible - life's manual - and stumbled upon some gold nuggets. I won't share them all here - you gotta find your own nuggets - but I'll slip some of mine out. Mark 1:35-39 shows just how focused Jesus was and how He knew His "one thing." He's so focused He doesn't even answer His disciples' pressing question, and went straight into what He's called to do. Luke 18:18-22 tells about the rich young ruler who did a lot of things but still lack "one thing" - the one that really matters. In Luke 10:42, Jesus tells Martha about the "one thing" that is needed.

I realized that doing that "one thing" that matters in life may not necessarily mean that from now on, all of my life comes down to doing just one physical thing - like all I'm going to do with my life is record as many as albums and sell as many copies as possible (isn't that considered "two" things already?). Or all I need to do in my life is be a great husband - that's all, just one thing. But what would happen to being a great son, a great brother, a great friend, or a great father one day?

I found it in Ecclesiastes 12:13. It's always been there. I've heard it before. But to realize it now is as fresh as the morning dew. My "one thing" in life, and I pray yours too, will come from that scripture...

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all."

"One thing" is that and all that it encompasses. "One thing" is both a daily journey and a lifelong journey. Enjoy!