A Choice We All Make

The Importance of Choosing Christ Above All Else The message centers on the biblical story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), emphasizing Jesus’s statement that “one thing is needful.” Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his words, while Martha was “encumbered about much serving.” The core message is about prioritizing spiritual needs and making a conscious choice to put Christ first. Making a Conscious Choice for Christ It’s a personal decision to prioritize Christ above all else. Examples of people making other choices: Men working on cars. Someone heading to the lake with a boat. Another mowing the yard. These examples illustrate how people choose what takes precedence in their lives. Abraham’s test God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, as a test of faith. This was a test of whether God was truly number one in Abraham’s heart. Abraham demonstrated his willingness to put God first, and God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Quote: “Either he’s the greatest in your life or he’s not. Either he’s number one in your heart or something else holds that position.” One thing is needful Jesus said, “one thing is needful,” emphasizing the singular importance of spiritual devotion. This “one thing” is not a list of things but a singular focus on Christ. Family and other important aspects of life should not take precedence over Christ. Quote: “There is no one or nothing that can take or hold that spot.” Joshua’s declaration Joshua declared, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). This highlights the need to make a firm decision to serve God. Christ is the “good part” that should be chosen above all else. The Consequences of Misplaced Priorities Friendship with the world Serving the world makes one an enemy of God. God is a “jealous God” who demands to be first in our lives. Quote: “I will have no other God before me.” Idolatry Anything put before Christ becomes an idol that cannot deliver, save, or comfort. Putting other things first leads to a disconnect from God. Quote: “Anything you put in front of Christ has no ability. It is a God that can’t deliver you. It can’t save you. It can’t comfort you.” The Danger of Worldly Busyness Being too busy with worldly affairs can lead to missing what is truly important. Quote: “You’re going to die one day and you’re going to stand before God.” There is only one way to salvation through Christ. Quote: “Either Christ is all and in all or He’s nothing at all to you.” Examples of Choosing God Jacob’s wrestling match Jacob wrestled with God and refused to let go until he received a blessing. This symbolizes the struggle to make God the priority and the importance of holding on to faith. Jacob’s transformation led him to declare, “I’m done with this life… I’m going to follow Jesus.” Daniel’s unwavering faith Daniel continued to pray to God despite a decree forbidding it, choosing God over the king. He was thrown into the lion’s den, but God delivered him. Quote: “The God that you serve continually… he’s able to deliver you.” Daniel’s example shows the importance of putting God first, even in the face of danger. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s defiance They refused to bow down to a false god, even when threatened with a fiery furnace. They declared that God was able to deliver them, but even if He didn’t, they would not compromise their faith. Quote: “The God we serve is able to deliver us from your fiery furnace. But if He don’t… we will not bow.” God protected them in the furnace, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Seeking God’s Goodness Elijah and Elisha Elisha refused to leave Elijah, demonstrating his commitment to following God. Elisha asked for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. Elisha’s persistence and focus led to him receiving the double portion and performing miracles. Quote: “If you’re still here when I leave… You’re going to have to hang around… to get the double part.” Paul’s relentless pursuit of Christ Paul counted everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. He focused on “one thing”: pressing toward the goal to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Quote: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark.” Paul’s dedication led him to endure hardship and persecution, always keeping Christ as his top priority. Quote: “This one thing I do.” The Simplicity of the Message The message is simple: choose Christ above all else. Quote: “One thing is needful.” God’s love is already extended through Christ’s sacrifice. Quote: “For God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Salvation is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord. Quote: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Personal testimony of conversion experience in 1976, emphasizing the need to recognize one’s lost state and accept salvation through Christ. The message concludes with a call to make a choice for Christ and let Him be number one in your life. Quote: “Your response will be your choice.”