CHOOSING THE ONE NEEDFUL THING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 10:38-42
Key Verse: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42, KJV)
Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:33, Psalm 27:4, Philippians 3:13-14, Colossians 3:2
INTRODUCTION:
Life is full of activities, responsibilities, and demands that constantly compete for our time and attention. Many believers, like Martha in the story of Luke 10, become busy with serving and daily pursuits but lose sight of what is most essential—sitting at the feet of Jesus and receiving His word.
The Christian journey is not measured by how busy we are, but by how well we align our lives with God’s priorities. Jesus did not rebuke Martha for serving, but He pointed out that Mary had chosen the one thing needful, the most vital pursuit that sustains the soul and secures eternal rewards.
This message calls us to examine our daily lives and ask: are we pursuing what is urgent or what is truly important? The one needful thing is communion with Christ, and when this becomes our priority, everything else falls into place.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE ONE NEEDFUL THING
Before we can choose the one needful thing, we must know what it truly is: fellowship with Christ and the pursuit of His kingdom.
a) Fellowship with Christ (Luke 10:39)
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, choosing His presence over distractions. Fellowship with Christ nourishes the soul.
b) The Word of God as Life (Matthew 4:4)
The Word sustains and strengthens. It must be our daily food above earthly cares.
c) Kingdom Priority (Matthew 6:33)
Seeking first the kingdom ensures that other needs are added. The one needful thing brings divine order.
d) Eternal Focus (Colossians 3:2)
Our minds must be set on things above, not earthly pursuits that fade away.
Biblical Example: David declared in Psalm 27:4 that the one thing he desired was to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty.
2. DISTRACTIONS THAT STEAL THE NEEDFUL THING
Many lose focus because they allow distractions to dominate their lives, like Martha.
a) Busyness Without Intimacy (Luke 10:40)
Being busy for God is not the same as being intimate with God. Service must flow from communion.
b) Worries of Life (Luke 21:34)
Anxieties choke the word of God, leaving believers barren spiritually.
c) The Love of Wealth and Worldliness (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
The pursuit of riches distracts many from God’s presence and eternal priorities.
d) Misplaced Priorities (Haggai 1:4-6)
When we focus on our own agendas, we neglect the things of God and suffer spiritual emptiness.
Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul because he loved this present world (2 Timothy 4:10).
3. THE BLESSINGS OF CHOOSING THE NEEDFUL THING
When we choose the one thing needful, we experience blessings that cannot be taken away.
a) Spiritual Strength and Peace (Isaiah 26:3)
God keeps in perfect peace those who focus on Him.
b) Divine Wisdom and Direction (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Sitting with Christ positions us to hear His voice and walk in divine guidance.
c) Eternal Rewards (John 6:27)
Labouring for spiritual food secures eternal blessings beyond earthly gains.
d) Stability in Adversity (Psalm 46:1-3)
Those who dwell in God’s presence are unshaken in the storms of life.
Biblical Example: Daniel prioritised prayer and fellowship with God, and even when cast into the lion’s den, he emerged victorious (Daniel 6:10, 22).
4. HOW TO CHOOSE THE ONE NEEDFUL THING DAILY
It is not enough to know about the one thing needful, we must choose it consistently.
a) Daily Devotion and Prayer (Psalm 5:3)
Meeting God early anchors the rest of the day in His presence.
b) Consistent Study of the Word (2 Timothy 2:15)
Feeding on the Word strengthens and equips us for life and ministry.
c) Living with an Eternal Perspective (Philippians 3:13-14)
Pursuing the heavenly goal keeps us from being entangled by earthly things.
d) Discipline and Focus (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Prioritising spiritual growth requires intentional discipline and focus.
Biblical Example: Paul chose to press toward the mark of the high calling, setting aside distractions to focus on Christ (Philippians 3:14).
CONCLUSION:
Choosing the one needful thing is a daily decision that determines the depth of our walk with God and the fulfilment of our destiny. Like Mary, we must learn to sit at the Master’s feet, listening to His voice and drawing from His wisdom.
If you make Jesus your priority, you will find strength, peace, and direction that nothing in this world can offer. Do not allow the urgent to rob you of the important. Choose the needful thing today, and it shall never be taken away from you.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to always choose the one needful thing above all distractions.
2. Father, deliver me from every spirit of busyness without intimacy.
3. Lord, align my priorities with Your will daily.
4. Father, let my heart hunger more for Your Word and presence.
5. Lord, take away every distraction that steals my fellowship with You.
6. Father, grant me grace to maintain kingdom focus in all areas of life.
7. Lord, help me to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness.
8. Father, renew my mind to focus on eternal things.
9. Lord, let my service always flow from intimacy with You.
10. Father, make me a consistent dweller at Your feet.
