Only one thing is needed

So here we are - a new year and a new beginning. How many of us have made New Year's Resolutions? And how many will be broken before January is out? So often we make too many resolutions and then keep none of them.

But actually, to make a real change in our life often requires just one thing. There is one thing you could do this year that could transform your whole life.

Some of us need to let go of the past. St Paul had been involved in the execution and persecution of Christians before he became one of their most prominent leaders. Do you imagine for a moment that the faces of those he'd had killed didn't haunt him? Many of us have things in our past that hold us back. St Paul wrote, “… one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,” Philippians 3:13

Some people need to put the past behind them You need to realise that there is no future in your past. Maybe that's the one thing you should do this year.

Others have lost the sense of worship towards God. We need to recapture the spirit of worship David had. Maybe that's the one thing you should do this year.

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
Psalms 27:4

Others lack a concern for the poor that is at the heart of God's love for the world. Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21

Maybe the one thing you should do this year is give to the poor. There are many ways to do that. Obviously for me, I connect many people with projects that help the poor directly through RSVP Trust. But there is no shortage of need.

Still others are rushing about, busy with many practical things when what we need to do is listen to Jesus. Some of my most productive moments have come from being still and listening for God's voice. Jesus said to Martha that only one thing was needed, to listen to him.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

What is the one thing you could do this year that would transform your life and your walk with God?

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