Those two words above, "One thing...," are found together several times in the New Testament. Amazingly, as simple as those two words are, there is always a wonderful lesson attached to their stories. They were used by the blind man in John 9:25: "One thing I know; I was blind but now I see." He was no trained evangelist, he simply knew the one thing Jesus did for him, and that was all he needed to know to share the good news! Jesus gave a firm but kind rebuke of Martha for her serving: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part..." (Luke 10:41-42). She was concerned with things that seemed important to her, but compared to spiritual things, those "many things" didn't mean... well, a thing!
Then there is the occurrence of Paul's using the phrase. It is so meaningful to me this time of year, as we end an old and start a new. Listen to the Apostle's confession: "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead" (Philippians 3:13). Very practical isn't it? He was simply saying that he didn't have it all figured out, but one thing he did: he knew how to let the past be the past, and press toward the days ahead, and the prize ahead: eternal life with his Lord.
Isn't that great advice for the start of a new year? What can you do about last year? Nothing! It has come and gone and you can't change a thing! Maybe it was a tough year for you. Maybe it was a disappointing year. Whatever kind of year you had, let it be in your past, and do as Paul: "forget those things which are behind!" You can learn from them, to be sure, but don't let last year ruin this year! You have a new day, every day; 365 of them, Lord be willing! "This is the day that the Lord has made. we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
So, today, and every day, forget the past and press on to the prize! Take time to pray... to meditate... to offer praise... to open your Bible... to smile... to marvel at God's beauty... to share love with someone...to give glory to the One who makes life worth living. Let last year be last year! You have the blessing of a new year. Press to the goal, and let Jesus help you along the way!