Week 31 (27 July - 2 Aug): Only One Thing

Last Saturday, after another busy week of global upheavals with many “things” competing for our attention, Lycia brought us back to what Jesus calls "the one necessary thing" (Luke 10:42). Amid life's busyness, she reminded us that the one thing is not another item to add to our to-do list, it is simply being present with God.

Mary's life reflects this beautifully. Whether she was listening at Jesus' feet (Luke 10), grieving before Him after Lazarus' death (John 11), or pouring out costly perfume in worship (John 12), Mary consistently gave Jesus her fullest attention. Jesus said she had chosen "the good portion." In Scripture, a portion speaks of one's inheritance, security and identity. As Lamentations 3:24 declares, "The Lord is my portion." When God becomes our portion, everything else finds its proper place.

One question Lycia asked has stayed with me:

When was the last time Jesus had my fullest attention?

At the same time, Lycia carefully pointed out that Jesus was not diminishing Martha's gift of hospitality. Serving others is deeply valued throughout Scripture. Martha's desire to care for Jesus was good. What Jesus gently corrected was not her service, but her anxious and distracted heart. A good gift had begun to crowd out the greatest gift of simply being with Him.

It occurred to me that this passage is not about choosing Mary instead of Martha. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray, yet He also spent His days teaching, healing and serving. His ministry flowed from His relationship with the Father. Likewise, our service should flow from God's presence, not replace it. As Lycia put it, the one necessary thing is not one more thing, it is the one thing that reorders everything else.

Jesus lived this dependence perfectly. He said, "I only do what I see the Father doing" (John 5:19). Before He acted, He first beheld the Father. The more we behold Him, the more we become like Him. Through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17), God is with us not only in our quiet moments, but also as we work and serve.

Lycia also brought us to Psalm 27:4, where David's one desire was simply to dwell with the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. Seeking God is not merely a means to receive His blessings. Our highest calling is to know Him. More than anything else, God desires our hearts.

Pastor Ben closed with an honest reminder: the real challenge is that we often want much more than that "one thing". Yet God does not ask us to hide those competing desires. Instead, we can honestly bring them before Him and allow Him to lovingly reorder our hearts. That is what a close relationship with God looks like.

Reflection

1. When was the last time Jesus had my fullest attention?

2. Are my "Martha moments" flowing from my "Mary moments"?

3. What is competing with God for first place in my heart today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that You are my portion. Teach me to choose Your presence before my productivity, and intimacy before activity. May my service never replace my relationship with You but always flows from it. Help me to behold You each day so that I may be more Christlike. Reorder my heart until You become my one thing. In Jesus' name, Amen.