ONE THING NEEDFUL!

"Jesus said, One thing is needful." —Luke 10:42 [KJV]

The disposition and carriage of the sisters, Martha and Mary, much resemble the different desires and actings of the flesh and spirit, of which every Christian is composed. The flesh, like Martha, is careful and troubled about many things: it is ever restless and uneasy; always in want; seldom satisfied; never truly happy. But the spirit hath chose that good part, that one thing needful: it is truly wise in its choice, quite satisfied in its object, and truly happy in its enjoyment.

Thus it is while the Christian is under the prevailing influence of this ONE THING NEEDFUL. One thing, the enjoyment of God, was our first parents' paradise. A thirst after, and enjoyment of two things (the knowledge of evil as well as good) caused all their woe, and made them miserable: and it is the knowledge of the former which keeps all their posterity under the sad circumstances they are fallen into, till they are brought to know the one thing needful. What is this but the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? This was the great apostle's continual prayer, "That I may know HIM." This was what Mary was happy in the enjoyment of, and what our Lord Himself commends her for, and calls that good part, which shall never be taken away.

This one thing comprehends all wisdom, holiness, and happiness. To know Jesus, is to believe in Him. To believe on Him, is to love Him; and to love Him, is to keep His commandments. In every station, in all seasons, and under every circumstance, this one thing, this knowledge of Jesus, is ever needful, ever seasonable. Doth the Christian enjoy health? This knowledge joins to health of body, peace and joy of soul. Is he in sickness? To know Jesus is the richest cordial, the most reviving draught to his soul. Is he tempted? What consolation is it to know Jesus was in all things tempted, that he might succour the tempted? Doth sin distress? Doth the law condemn? O, the soul who knows Jesus, can boldly challenge, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" He can confidently declare, "there is no condemnation to them." Does death, the king of terrors, affright him? By the knowledge of Jesus he is disarmed of his strength and sting; which is the law and sin. So that, O soul, thou mayest take up this triumphant challenge against the last enemy, "O death, where is thy sting! O grave, where is thy victory!" I have all things, and abound in this one thing; I have Christ my Saviour found.

On earth we want the sight Of our Redeemer's face, Yet, Lord, our inmost thoughts delight To dwell upon Thy grace.

And when we taste Thy love, Our joys divinely grow Unspeakable, like those above, And heav'n begins below.

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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