Yes, we are to be faithful to our local church and all that entails. Thank God for the sweet and uplifting fellowship of our dear brothers and sisters. How awesome to worship together, sing praises, share testimonies and hear the Word of God proclaimed under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. There are a myriad of blessings that are the result of being joined together as the Body of Christ by the redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In addition to the edification of fellowship, we also find opportunities to serve one another and learn how to let our gifts grow into usefulness for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. What a blessing to see the providential hand of God work through His ascension ministry gifts ordained to help believers grow in grace and come into the maturity of Christ to the glory of His name.

In no way does the truth that I feel led to share diminish or take away from the joy and blessings of being an active and enthusiastic member of the local Body of Christ. In fact, what I now explain only strengthens and enhances our fellowship together as the children of God. We need to clearly remember and gladly accept the fact that our first responsibility as a born-again believer is to faithfully and earnestly seek our Lord. We need to be careful that we do not consider being busy and doing things for Him as our top priority.

We are first to seek Him and maintain an intimate and vitally alive relationship with Jesus. Discipleship is not first what we do for Him–it is first and foremost seeking Him, spending time in His presence. Who we are in Him and the intimacy we enjoy in waiting on Him manifests a true and solid walk of faith that will both glorify the Lord and be of benefit to His church. Consider these verses: Psalm 27:8, “When Thou didst say, seek my face, my heart said to Thee, Thy face, O Lord I shall seek.” Psalm 34:10, “They who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.” Psalm 119:2, “How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.” Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Colossians 3:1-2: “If ye then have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

At a time in my life about fifteen years ago I was truly beginning to establish this truth in my own life in a greater measure than I had ever known. I sat down after prayer and wrote this poem to my Lord. I hope it ministers to you.

ONE THING

One thing will I seek after,

One thing with all my soul,

One thing of exceeding value,

One thing to make me whole.

One thing will I pray for daily,

One thing beyond compare,

One thing to make me holy,

One thing so pure, so rare.

One thing will I trust God for,

One thing on bended knee,

One thing of eternal worth,

One thing from Calvary’s tree.

One thing too grand to measure,

One thing from heaven’s door,

One thing and one thing only,

One thing, no need for more.

That I might know the Lord of glory,

That I might worship at His feet,

That I might know in greater measure,

That I might in Him be made complete.

That I might lay hold of Jesus,

That He might lay hold of me,

That I might live in resurrection power,

That I might be absolutely free.

Yes–one thing and one thing only,

May this one thing ever be,

That I might serve Him fully,

That He would have all of me.