## One Thing

## Mark 10:17-22

Simplicity is a virtue that has been lost in today's high tech world. Items that used to be relatively simple to operate or repair now require specialist who are equipped with exactly the right tools and knowledge to repair. Things that used to take only a handshake and a smile now take several volumes of contracts, disclosures, and verifications. Any of us who have ever had to deal with the government knows the mountain of paperwork and red tape that is nearly insurmountable.

However, there is one thing that is still simple. There is one thing that, over the years, has not become increasingly hard to understand. That one thing is the Word of God. In the Scriptures we find the phrase "one thing" used quite often. This morning I want to bring a message on just "one thing". It will not be a difficult message to understand because it comes from God's Word. God gave His Word in such a manner that all can understand.

I. One Thing Lacking. cf Mark 10:17-22

A. Consider the love of Jesus.

1. It extends to all men saved or lost!

2. Jn 3:16 tells us that God loved the whole world.

3. And yet this love is not enough to insure that a person will spend eternity in heaven.

4. There was yet "one thing" lacking in this young man's life.

B. Consider the young man.

1. He was earnest: he came running to Jesus (17).

2. He was humble: he kneeled before Christ (17).

3. He knew the importance of eternal life: he asked `what shall I do?' (17).

4. He was morally good: he said, `all these have I observed from my youth' (20).

5. And yet Jesus said, `One thing thou lackest...' (21).

C. Consider the `one thing'.

1. It wasn't a lack of desire, but desire isn't enough.

2. It wasn't a lack of sincerity or earnestness.

3. It wasn't a lack of humility or moral goodness.

4. It wasn't a lack of direction for he came to Jesus!

5. You could have all of these things and still miss heaven!

6. The `one thing' that this young man lacked was an attitude of total obedience to Christ!

7. The result was that he went away grieved, because he wasn't willing to give up his riches.

8. For you this morning it may not be riches, it may be your pride, your family or some other thing that will keep you from accepting Christ and following Him.

II. One Thing Needful. cf Luke 10:38-42

A. Consider Martha.

1. She had received Christ into her heart as well as her home.

a. She and her brother and sister loved the Lord Jesus.

b. It was at the tomb of Lazarus that Jesus wept and the people responded by saying, "Behold how he loved him."

2. She was an active worker.

a. She busied herself with "much serving".

b. Her service was not ordinary service, she saw a need and was ready to do whatever took to meet that need.

c. Her pre-occupation with serving caused her to be worried and troubled.

3. She expected Mary to get busy and help her do the work.

a. She made an appeal to Jesus and asked Him to tell her to get to work!

b. She saw so many things that needed to be done, and saw herself as the only one who was doing anything!

B. Consider Mary.

1. She was totally devoted to Christ.

2. Later we find that she understood, when the disciples didn't, that Jesus was going to die.

3. She is the one who came and annointed the feet of Jesus with the precious ointment.

4. Nearly every time we find her, we find her at the feet of Jesus.

C. Consider the Savior.

1. He gently rebukes Martha and commends Mary.

2. Martha was troubled about many things, but only one thing was needful.

3. Mary had chosed correctly: to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His Word.

4. Many Christians get so busy doing the work of God that they miss out on the one needful thing and that is sitting listening to the Word of God.

III. One Thing Desired. cf. Psalm 27:4

A. What is desire?

1. Webster: to long or hope for.

2. To beg or earnestly wish for.

B. David's desire.

1. He wanted the impossible.

a. He was a man after God's own heart.

b. He was God's model man, a mighty warrior, a courageous conqueror, and a worshiper with a passion for God.

c. But he was no priest, nor could he ever be, but his desire was to be able to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life.

2. It was the daily passion of his heart.

a. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Mt. 6:21

b. Col. 3:2, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

c. David's desire was not born out of duty, but out of devotion. "...to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple."

C. What is the "one thing" that we desire?

1. Is it this world's fame or success? That will pass away.

2. Is it wealth and riches? Thieves will steal them away.

3. The "one thing" that should be the heart's desire of every believer is to dwell in the presence of the Lord forever!

4. Jesus said, "...I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there ye may be also." Jn. 14:2-3

5. There are some Christians who will feel out of place in heaven...they aren't used to being in the house of God!

Conclusion: ONE THING: Lacking, Needful, and Desired. If you are without Jesus Christ as your personal Savior today...that is the one thing lacking in your life. Come to Jesus in total obedience and be saved today.

If you are a Christian, but you have neglected your time with the Lord. The one thing needful in your life today is to come and spend some time at His feet listening to His Word.

What is your desire this morning? If you could have "one thing" today, what would it be? Come this morning and find that Jesus Christ can meet your need today.