That two-word phrase is taken from Paul’s statement in Phil. 3:13, “but one thing I do.” Those are the words of a singularly focused man. Many people fail at this very point.
They are like the wishy-washy Jews who were confronted by Elisha in 1 Kings 18:21, “How long will you falter between two opinions?” The word translated “falter” means to limp or become lame. Life becomes crippled for the person who cannot make up their mind. Rather than running through life with purpose, they limp through life in confusion.
James called these kind of people double-minded and added that they are unstable in all their ways (James 1:8). To these Solomon said, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” In other words, stay focused. Don’t be distracted. Be able to say, “one thing I do.”
Concentration is a powerful thing. Diffused light may illuminate a room; concentrated light (lasers) can cut through metal. Diffused water may irrigate your lawn; concentrated water (through a fire hose) can save a burning house. Imagine the power of concentrated focus in life.
Such concentration possesses both a negative and positive aspect. As for the negative, Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind.” There are things in life I must let go of in order to say, “one thing I do.” As for the positive, Paul said, “And reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” There are things I must lay hold of in order to do what I am called to do.
What is the one thing you are called to do if you are going to make the most of your life? Whatever it may be, I can tell you two things based on the words, “upward call” (Phil. 3:14). First, it will be a worthy ambition. Paul said it’s “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It will be something worthy of His name.
Second, you won’t have to sit down with a pen and paper and try to figure it out. Just open your heart and listen for the ”upward call.” God will speak to your heart as you seek Him. He will reveal His plan to you.
Interestingly, the man who said, “one thing I do,” actually did a lot of things. He was a preacher, teacher, missionary, church planter, writer, etc. Singular focus does not mean one-dimensional. It does not automatically mean you start bailing on various responsibilities and resigning from necessary duties. Paul did a lot of things, but he did them all with one goal in mind.
Don’t be like those who are limping through life trying to serve two or more masters. We serve one! While life will still be multifaceted in some ways, it can all move in a unified direction and work in answer to the same call - the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Todd Weston
They are like the wishy-washy Jews who were confronted by Elisha in 1 Kings 18:21, “How long will you falter between two opinions?” The word translated “falter” means to limp or become lame. Life becomes crippled for the person who cannot make up their mind. Rather than running through life with purpose, they limp through life in confusion.
James called these kind of people double-minded and added that they are unstable in all their ways (James 1:8). To these Solomon said, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” In other words, stay focused. Don’t be distracted. Be able to say, “one thing I do.”
Concentration is a powerful thing. Diffused light may illuminate a room; concentrated light (lasers) can cut through metal. Diffused water may irrigate your lawn; concentrated water (through a fire hose) can save a burning house. Imagine the power of concentrated focus in life.
Such concentration possesses both a negative and positive aspect. As for the negative, Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind.” There are things in life I must let go of in order to say, “one thing I do.” As for the positive, Paul said, “And reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” There are things I must lay hold of in order to do what I am called to do.
What is the one thing you are called to do if you are going to make the most of your life? Whatever it may be, I can tell you two things based on the words, “upward call” (Phil. 3:14). First, it will be a worthy ambition. Paul said it’s “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It will be something worthy of His name.
Second, you won’t have to sit down with a pen and paper and try to figure it out. Just open your heart and listen for the ”upward call.” God will speak to your heart as you seek Him. He will reveal His plan to you.
Interestingly, the man who said, “one thing I do,” actually did a lot of things. He was a preacher, teacher, missionary, church planter, writer, etc. Singular focus does not mean one-dimensional. It does not automatically mean you start bailing on various responsibilities and resigning from necessary duties. Paul did a lot of things, but he did them all with one goal in mind.
Don’t be like those who are limping through life trying to serve two or more masters. We serve one! While life will still be multifaceted in some ways, it can all move in a unified direction and work in answer to the same call - the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Todd Weston
