THE ESSENTIALS

by John Rallison

Sometimes when things are a little rough, or there is too much going on, I think it
would be nice to have my priorities set firmly. It would be especially great to know what
the one most important thing is. So I ran ‘one thing’ and ‘only thing’ through my computer
Bible to see if there was one thing. What I found was four aspects of the most important
thing in life:

ONE CONCERN IS MOST IMPORTANT

When Martha as cleaning and Mary was listening to Jesus, Martha tried to get Mary to
help her with her work. Jesus replied, "…one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what
is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42, NIV) The main
concern for our lives on earth is to be learning from and growing to be like Jesus Christ.
We are told in Ephesians that God has given different gifts to different people so that we
can all become spiritually mature, like Christ (4:11-13, NIV).

ONE ATTITUDE IS MOST IMPORTANT

Paul says we need to have a forward looking attitude. "But one thing I do:
forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal
to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:13-14)

The Bible tells us we have to let go of the past, including our hurts, ‘the way we’ve
always done it,’ and our own sin and guilt.

The Bible says that God will remember our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12, NIV). If you have
a particular sin or guilt that you can’t let go of, try this exercise: 1) Write that sin
down on a piece of paper. 2) Fold the paper up and write what it says in Hebrews 8:12 on
the outside of the folded piece of paper. 3) Recite Hebrews 8:12 aloud and burn the piece
of paper. God no longer remembers your sin.

ONE ACTION IS MOST IMPORTANT

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
(Galatians 5:6, NIV) Faith is trust in God that manifests itself in a willingness to act
even when you don’t understand. Love is caring about the needs and feelings of others.
Paul says the only thing that counts is a trust in God that manifests itself in caring
about other people.

ONE DESTINATION IS MOST IMPORTANT

Being with God is the most important thing. Insecurity can make a person very unhappy.
Most people try to find security in things that are inherently insecure: relationships,
money, possessions.

You are sure to be insecure if you are building your security and your life on anything
in this world because nothing is unshakable.

God is eternal. Finding security in being with him is most important. "One thing I
ask of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever…" (Psalm 27:4,
NIV)

The most important thing is your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Your sins
are all forgiven because Jesus, God’s Son, took them to the cross and paid their just
penalty. The one most important thing in life is your relationship to God and it shows in
your concerns, your actions, your attitude, and your final destination.

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
<> <> <> <>

(This sermon summary can be forwarded freely to others as long as it is forwarded in
its entirety (including the information at the bottom). To subscribe direct send an e-mail
to )

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
<> <> <> <>

John Rallison St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church

2311 East Chapman Avenue Fullerton, CA 92831

voice (714) 871-1711 fax (714) 871-3132

SSLC Web Site www.flash.net/~sslc

Devotions and Sermon Summaries change weekly.