One Thing

What is the secret to a successful Christian life?

I frequently receive this question or some variation of it. People want to know what to do to strengthen their faith walk, to help them through difficult times and give them the power to live victorious lives. It is a good question when our desire is to know God’s will and plan for lives and when we intend to act on that knowledge, but it can be deceiving when we are looking for a shortcut to deep faith.

Stay up late most any night to watch a little television in the wee hours of the morning and you will discover a myriad of infomercials selling shortcuts. There are secrets to losing weight, looking younger, and building muscle. Buy the right item and your housework will be a breeze, broken items will look like new and your car will run forever. Some of these products may be effective, but the deeper philosophy all of them share is that there is a hidden, almost magical way, to accomplish goals that simply require effort to achieve.

Bring this philosophy into the Christian life and you find many people who are looking for that same magical step that will lead them to a deep and powerful walk with God. Ultimately, it is a search for a shortcut around putting in the effort to grow in faith.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians says this, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (3:13b-14) It turns out there is a secret, but it is not a shortcut. Rather, Paul makes it clear that growing in the Christian life is the result of intentionally avoiding distractions and pressing on toward the goal of Christ.

He uses athletic terms to drive the point home. A serious, competitive runner sets her mind on the goal. Previous successes and failures are set aside so she can attend to the task at hand. Then, with great focus, she devotes herself to the goal. With her senses, skills and strength committed to the task, she gives her all to win the prize.

So, what is the secret to successful living? It is not surprising, nor is it a shortcut. The secret is to commit your ways, your very self to the Lord, and allow him to direct your paths. Avoid distractions and press on, focused on the goal of Christ, and give your all to the task at hand. There is no shortcut, just the the strength of focus and the power of doing that “one thing.”

Let us continue to run the race, eyes on Christ as we commit to doing that one thing, and let us encourage one another so that we may all finish well.

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