One Thing That Is Needful

One Thing That Is Needful

Text: Luke 10:38-42

In this biblical account, Martha was cumbered with much serving, agitation and anxiety about many things that are not needful. Our life on earth is more than bread and meat (Matthew 6:25). Martha was focusing on the cares of the world which choke the Word of God (Matthew 13:22). Jesus said in John 6:27 that we should not labor for the meat that perishes but for the meat that endures unto eternal life.

Many Christians in this Last Day are like Martha, whose lives are crowded with activities non-stop, having no time for the things of the spirit that will determine their eternal home. Their daily running up and down chasing vanities and shadows is not the needful thing. Jesus Christ did not rebuke Martha for serving but for her over care in the serving to the detriment of the Word of God in her life.

No matter how busy we may be in our secular lives, we must create the time to be with the Lord at His feet, studying the Word and acting the Word; and in prayer like Mary in the account. The most needful thing is to stay with God in the Word and in prayers because these are among the spiritual activities that give us good success (Joshua 1:8) (Psalm 1:1-3).

Our daily hustling and bustling to earn the bread that we need for the perishing body must not be at the expense of the bread that benefits the eternal soul. It is not the bread for the body that will really change our status but the time spent with the Lord in secret (Matthew 6:6). It is when our lives have been affected in our secret chambers that God will reward us in the open.

Jacob used his brain to obtain riches and prosperity in Laban’s house. But despite his great riches, he was not at peace as he was afraid of his brother, Esau’s revenge for the stolen birthright. It was after he wrestled with God in prayer in Genesis 32:24-29 that his name was changed from Jacob to Israel and he entered into his rest.

Do not allow the natural dispositions and cares of this world to hinder your spiritual exercises and activities. It was because Esau loved to gratify his flesh that he lost his birthright which he regretted afterwards (Genesis 25:34). Mere momentary fleshly gratification can damn the soul. Therefore, we should not be walking by the flesh but by the spirit (Galatians 5:16) i.e. living the Christian life.

Esau traded away his precious birthright because he was irreligious and faithless in spiritual things. He despised sacred things and sold his birthright for a plate of porridge. What is the plate of porridge in your life that you are willing to trade away your birthright (eternity) for? 

Are you willing to trade away your salvation, anointing and eternity with Christ on the altar of one sin, a mere fleshly gratification that can damn your soul in Hell? Is worldliness your own plate of porridge? Are you a Christian ready to sacrifice your salvation because you want to live like the world? Remember that a mere fleshly gratification cost Ananias and Sapphira their salvation and eternity (Acts 5:1-11).

Recall also that it was after Esau had lost his birthright and the blessings attached to it that he began to appreciate it. He tried to regain it but could not as the damage had been permanently done. Your eternity with Christ is your birthright but you can lose it if you are living to gratify your flesh like Esau did. The one thing that is needful is to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Ayodele Adegbulugbe

www.relationship4growth.blogspot.com

Phone:2348035978352

Email:ayodeleade2002@yahoo.com