Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:12-16

Devotion

But one thing I do . . . – Philippians 3:13b.

“One thing” is a phrase that is important to the Christian life. “You lack one thing,” said Jesus to the self-righteous rich young ruler (Mark 10:21). “One thing is necessary,” He explained to busy Martha when she criticized her sister (Luke 10:42). “One thing I do know,” answered the man who had received his sight by the power of Christ (John 9:25). “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after,” testified the psalmist (Psalm 27:4). Too many Christians are too involved in “many things,” like Martha, when the secret of progress is to concentrate on “one thing.”

It was this decision that was a turning point in the life of D.L. Moody. Before the tragedy of the Chicago fire in 1871, Mr. Moody was involved in Sunday School promotion, Y.M.C.A. work, evangelistic meetings, and many other activities; but after the fire, he determined to devote himself exclusively to evangelism. “This one thing I do!” became a reality to him. As a result, millions of people heard the Gospel.

The believer must devote himself to “running the Christian race.” No athlete succeeds by doing everything; he succeeds by specializing. There are those few athletes who seem proficient in many sports, but they are the exception. The winners are those who concentrate, who keep their eyes on the goal and let nothing distract them. They are devoted entirely to their calling. Like Nehemiah the wall-building governor, they reply to the distracting invitations, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). A person torn this way and that “is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Concentration is the secret of power. If a river is allowed to overflow its banks, the area around it becomes a swamp. But if that river is dammed and controlled, it becomes a source of power. It is wholly a matter of values and priorities, living for that which matters most.

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary Volume 2.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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