THIS ONE THING I DO,

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

APRIL 7

 

Philippians 3:13

 

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: 

but this one thing I do, forgetting those things 

which are behind, and reaching forth unto those

 things which are before, 

 
The concentration and fixation of the thoughts, desires, and aims upon the great object and end of life, is an invaluable blessing.
 
David desired “one thing,” even to dwell in the house of the Lord.
 
Mary, chose the good part.
 
Paul, kept his eye and his heart upon “one thing,” even the prize of his high calling.
 
He forgot the past, and was constantly pressing on after higher attainments, sweeter enjoyments, and more extensive usefulness. His heart was set upon doing all he could for God, obtaining all he could from God and becoming as much as possible like God.
 
Beloved, how does this reprove us!
 
Are not our minds often distracted,
  our hearts divided, and
  our attention diverted from the object,
   which we should keep in view?
 
Jesus kept his eye upon the joy that was set before him.
 
Moses had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
 
Paul did not aim at any of the things which are seen and temporal,
   but at the things which are not seen,
      which are eternal.
 
O to have the heart set, and the eye fixed, upon “one thing;”
and that one thing, the prize which Jesus holds out to stimulate his people,
and which he will give them at that day!
 
 

Lord, help me this one thing to do;

To keep the glorious prize in view;

Fain would I leave the things behind,

And heaven on earth is Jesus find.

 
James Smith