One Thing I Do

               Steven Nedoroscik was a member of the US Men’s Gymnastic Olympic team that competed in Paris.  He was different from his fellow teammates in that he competed in only one event: the pommel horse. He sat around cheering his team on until it was his turn to compete.  Being the last athlete in the last rotation of the team competition, intense pressure was on him since he needed to do well to break a 16-year medal drought for the US.  Nedoroscik took off his “Clark-Kent” style glasses and nailed his routine, giving his team the bronze medal.  Nedoroscik did his “one thing” very well.

            Paul in his letter to the Philippians says: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13,14).  What did Paul mean when he referred to the one thing he does?  His “one thing” involved an all-out pursuit, a reaching forward, a no looking back attitude that kept him pressing on.  He left everything else behind as he focused on his “one thing”.  Paul’s “one thing” was Jesus Christ.  Paul was wrapped up in his pursuit of Christ.  He was solely devoted to Jesus and wanted to know Him more every day of his life.  He made every effort to model Christlike behavior as he pursued personal holiness.  His preaching was all about Jesus Christ and His glorious gospel.  He pressed on in his service for Christ and looked forward to one day standing before Him and His rewards for faithful service. 

            Paul’s “one thing” should be our “one thing” as well.  Jesus Christ is our personal Savior, He is our living Lord, He is our daily strength and constant friend.  We must make every effort and press on in our devotion to Jesus.  We should serve Him faithfully, live for Him daily and love Him exclusively.  For Steven Nedoroscik his “one thing” was the pommel horse.  Let’s be sure that our “one thing” is Jesus Christ.