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Oh, this chapter in The Faith-Shaped Life took me by surprise. Dr. Hamilton told the story of a pastor he had as a young man. This pastor, James Philip, was speaking and asked “Are you a one-thing-I-do-man, a one-thing-I-do-woman?” … Paul did many things, but in all things he did there was one thing he was always doing. He was always pressing on ‘toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ … There was an inerradicable heavenly-mindedness to Paul’s faith.” (p140-141)
Why the Surprise?
One Thing I Do… oh that thought just grabbed a hold of me. Spawning off into stories in my brain, and making my heart throb. What is the ONE thing I do? Am I like Paul, wholly committed to Christ. Wanting to be with Christ more than any other thing… even if that other thing is totally worthy?
Not Always so Easy
It’s not always so easy though is it? This is something that Paul admits to as well. It’s hard to forget the things that lie in our past. Sins that we cling to, sins that we did that the Devil wants to keep us ashamed of, and sins that just seem to show up. It is a hard battle.
We need to remember this though. To remember our past, to remember our shame, because then we are more keen to recognize God’s grace in our lives. This recognition keeps us pressing forward. You see it right?
God’s grace pulls us onward. Even though it is hard (and it is!) but despite how hard it can be, his grace pulls us onward. Helping us to remember our love for the Lord. Our desire to put him first above all other things.
To make Christ our “One Thing I Do”.
What a good reminder! I, too, want to strive to make my relationship with Jesus the one-thing-I-do. Thanks for sharing!
oh thank you. 🙂 It was a great call for me as well.
An excellent reminder!
thank you Dawn
It’s easy to get distracted by all the things, and I needed this reminder to keep my focus on my One Thing – glorifying Christ.
It is so easy to get distracted, reminders are key to keeping us focused.
Nice. “One thing I do” – very good reminder to be focused in our goal to share Christ.
I too often forget though. Too often I think of me first and feel so let down by myself. But there is always tomorrow…..