Philippians 3:12-14

These verses flashed through my mind last night as I watched the intense focus of an Olympic competitor in the downhill slalom race compete for the gold. Much akin to Paul’s “straining toward what is ahead”; this racer’s concentration on her goal appeared flawless. Like the Olympic skier, vigorously and with much absorption, Paul sought to win the prize for which God had called him heavenward in Christ Jesus. The apostle was uncompromisingly committed in this endeavor. Perhaps we should mull this over for a minute. Indeed, if we are willing to be so centered on a fleeting temporal prize – as wonderful as a gold medal may be - how much more so should we be focused on an eternal prize guarded in heaven that can never perish, spoil or fade. Our inheritance is as indestructible and sure as God’s Word. Peter writes regarding this:

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)

“An inheritance is not only kept for us, but we are kept for it.” Richard Sibbes

Thirty years had come and gone since the apostle had been saved when he wrote this letter to the Philippian believers. Many triumphs in the faith, many spiritual battles won and much growth had taken place in Paul’s life yet he continues committed to press on, determined to finish well not simply coast in. He remained a “one thing” person to the end. At the ending of his life, as he neared his goal, he writes to his beloved Timothy the following:

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8 (NIV)

Paul was not the only “one thing” person in Scripture. King David and Mary (of Mary and Martha) were also “one thing” people – proper priority people. David writes in the Psalms:

4 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 (NIV)

We also see in Scripture Jesus commending Mary to Martha on her priority choice of sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to Him teach, forsaking busyness. He stated to frazzled Martha only “one thing” is needed. This is not to neglect our responsibilities rather it is prioritizing the Lord’s Presence:

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 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 (NIV)

“I make it my priority to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I maintain a simple attention and a fond regard for God.” Brother Lawrence

“Seek, O believer, that every good thing you have may be an abiding thing. May your character not be a writing upon the sand, but an inscription upon the rock! May your faith be no ‘baseless fabric of a vision,’ but may it be built of material able to endure that awful fire which shall consume the wood, hay, and stubble of the hypocrite. May you be rooted and grounded in love. May your convictions be deep, your love real, your desire earnest. May your whole life be so firm and strong, that all the blasts of hell and the storms of earth shall never be able to remove you.” Charles Spurgeon

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalms 34:10 (NIV)