This one thing I do

"Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…" Philippians 3:13, 14

     Inspirational speakers often exhort their listeners to keep the main thing, the main focus in their lives. Do you know what the main thing is in your life? What is your deepest yearning and desire for yourself and for Zimbabwe?

     For the apostle Paul, as with any Christian, the main thing in his life was to know Christ more deeply. This was his highest calling. But even after 30 years of the Christian life, Paul knew he was far from perfect.

     While in prison, Paul rededicated himself to singleness of purpose. The "one thing" he desired was to pursue Christ likeness in every area of his life with the persistence, enthusiasm, and dedication of a long distance runner. His burning desire was to love, obey and serve Christ daily. Determined to keep pressing towards his goal, Paul refused to be controlled by past mistakes or rest on his accomplishments.

     Originally a persecutor of the Christian church, he now counted it a joy and privilege to suffer for the faith he had once tried to destroy. And suffer greatly he did. As a result, Paul became a spiritual giant. By the grace of God, Paul was able to break away from the vicious cycles of hate and violence.

     In today's world, religious and political persecution and martyrdom continues to occur. Through intense suffering, many victims become spiritual giants as they cry out to God for relief and rescue.

     As this is the designated month of international awareness of the persecuted church, I urge you to pray for the persecuted and the persecutors. Pray for those who hate, asking God to transform them into people who love. If such a change of heart and mind could happen to Paul, it can happen to anyone. God is still alive and actively involved in the miracle business.

     As you pray, focus on one thing. Center on knowing God more dearly, more clearly and more deeply. In doing so, you will find your highest calling and motivating force for living. Divine love will always triumph over human hate. Press forward with all the energy you can muster and live one day at a time with singleness of purpose.

     God, I want to know and love You more with each passing day. I pray for both the persecuted and their persecutors worldwide. Raise up spiritual giants empowered with the wisdom of the apostle Paul. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
November 8, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.