“…BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL…”

“…BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL…”

Luke 10:38-42

In this brief conversation, something is said about Martha that is typical of all of us. “…but Martha was distracted…” (vs. 40) (NKJV)

We are like Martha much more than we are like Mary in our lives. We become concerned about things which do not help us, but rather distract us from what is really needful.

Jesus mentioned something to her that we need to have said to us and it really needs to be stressed because of its effect upon our need of salvation.

“…Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things…” (vs. 41)

Needs such as jobs, careers, school, growing up, family, health, retirement, etc. is…however, all of these should be subordinate to what is really needful. For my salary amount will not matter one day. My level of schooling will not matter. Whether I taught my son or daughter to fish or how well I maintained a good cholesterol level…or anything else you want to put into this scenario; none of them will matter one day. Why?

Because we all know that ‘but one thing is needful’ don’t we? We are concerned about things that will one day pass away. One day we won’t regret the choice of schools, jobs, or not allowing a child to experience a certain activity. However, if our greatest need is not addressed, we will regret it. 

Solomon wrote of this in Eccl. 12:13-14

“…fear GOD and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For GOD will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” 

Search your own soul and answer:

 —What have you been spending your time and efforts on?

—Have you lost focus of what matters?

—Are you giving attention to the ONE THING that is needful?

 I think of the words of James and ask you to consider them as well (James 4:14)

“…What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away”

.Man’s greatest need in this life is to prepare for the next life — hence he needs to understand why he needs to depart this life prepared for the next life. As Solomon stated, GOD will, “…bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

When I reflect on my own life and where I would be today if not for someone taking the time to teach me of what was needful — to seek out the way that leadeth to life eternal…I want to do for you what others have done for me; persuade you to do as the apostle Paul persuaded those of his day. 

(Eph. 5:15-17) – “Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”.

I plead with you to give thought to where you will be in eternity. Are you prepared? That is all that matters. Ask yourself this one thing…is the reason you give today for having never made preparation, sound justifiable on the Day of Judgment?

 James 4:17 – “Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin”.

Think of why you have not made preparation…If you don’t do so now, that is all you will think about then…

When your time on earth is over, it is all that will matter. Did you prepare to meet thy GOD?

If you know you need to obey the gospel, yet you have not done it, you have sinned (James 4:17). Do you believe GOD? He has provided a way whereby you can receive forgiveness for your sins—Jesus, (John 14:6). Jesus died for you for this reason—John 3:16). He has commanded all men everywhere to repent of their sins (Acts 17:30); to confess Jesus as the Son of GOD (Acts 8:37); and to be baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). 

This is your response to the grace of GOD. It is so easy if you are willing to trust in His words, “seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.

Only by being reconciled to GOD, can you be truly happy. What is your life?

copyright 2017

rdb