The One Thing That Is Needful

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The focus of this season is intimacy with God. To understand what this means practically, we need to examine what Scripture teaches about abiding in Christ and what it reveals about the difference between being in His presence versus being consumed by activity.

John 15:4-5 (KJV) – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

These verses establish several key truths. First, Jesus states “I am the vine” and “ye are the branches” as statements of fact, not suggestions. Second, there is a mutual abiding required—He in us and we in Him. Third, fruit-bearing is directly connected to this abiding relationship. Fourth, the verse concludes with an absolute declaration: without Him, we can do nothing.

The call here is to a life of consistent, uninterrupted communion with God. Intimacy, by definition, involves a feeling of closeness and connection within an interpersonal relationship. God is calling us to disentangle ourselves from webs of activities that are inconsequential to a meaningful relationship with Him.

Luke 10:38-42 (KJV) – “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

This passage presents a contrast between two approaches to Jesus. Martha was engaged in good activities—serving, hospitality, making people comfortable while Jesus taught. Yet Jesus identified her as “careful and troubled about many things.” Her service, though well-intentioned, became a source of anxiety and distraction.

Mary chose what Jesus called “the one thing needful”—sitting at His feet and hearing His word. Jesus affirmed this as “the good part” that would not be taken from her. The lesson is clear: activity in Jesus’ presence does not equal intimacy with Jesus. One can be busy in church, involved in ministry, and still miss the essential thing—genuine connection with Christ Himself.

Consider the man healed in John 9 who did not even know who Jesus was. He experienced a miracle but lacked relationship. This illustrates that it is possible to see the miraculous, be in the midst of spiritual activities, and yet remain isolated from the actual presence of God.

Mark 3:13-15 (KJV) – “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.”

This passage reveals God’s order for ministry and relationship. Jesus ordained twelve for two purposes: first, “that they should be with him,” and second, “that he might send them forth.” The order is significant. Being with Him preceded being sent by Him.

The primary reason for ordination was not so that they could preach, heal, or cast out demons. These were secondary. The primary reason was so they could share His presence, learn from Him, understand His heartbeat, and become acquainted with the Master Himself. Sending was secondary to being.

This challenges modern concepts of ministry and calling. One can be an elder, deacon, choir leader, or hospitality team member, but the first calling is to be with Jesus. Only then can Jesus send effectively. When the being with is neglected, the sending produces confusion, chaos, and messages that do not reflect the Master.

Acts 4:13 (KJV) – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

This verse provides observable evidence of what happens when people have been with Jesus. The religious leaders saw two things: the boldness of Peter and John, and their lack of formal education. Despite their lack of credentials, something about these men caused amazement. The conclusion drawn was that they had been with Jesus.

Being with Jesus produces visible results. It distinguishes a person. It shows the identity of Christ on the inside. It carries the message of the cross without words. The world around us observes something, and what they observe should point to Jesus.

It is important to distinguish between boldness and arrogance, as both can appear similar externally. Both involve speaking up and taking charge. However, they differ fundamentally in motive, root, and effect.

Boldness is rooted in courage—courage in what one believes, courage in what one has encountered, courage in the truth one has been sent to disseminate, courage in the face of opposition. Boldness can be calm and gentle; it is not determined by volume or tone. Boldness persists in what the Lord has revealed, speaks truth with humility and love, and shines light even in darkness.

Arrogance, by contrast, is rooted in pride, ego, and insecurity. It claims more importance than is warranted and often involves condescending attitudes toward others. Arrogance says, “I am better, stronger, more eloquent, more powerful, more important to this ministry.” Arrogance is self-serving and elevates itself by putting others down.

The boldness of Peter and John was not arrogance. It was the fruit of time spent with Jesus.

James 2:23 (KJV) – “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

Abraham’s relationship with God reached a level where he was called God’s friend. This designation came because he believed God. Belief that produces friendship involves trust that goes beyond surface-level acknowledgment. It involves staying unshakable in God’s presence and word.

As believers, we are the temple of the living God. This means we carry the administration of heaven wherever we go. The temple in the Old Testament was where God’s presence dwelt. Now, that presence dwells in us. Every believer carries the presence of God into their workplace, community, and home. The question is whether we walk in consciousness of this reality or in inferiority and confusion.

Colossians 3:16 (KJV) – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

This verse connects the indwelling Word with mutual edification. When the word of Christ dwells richly—abundantly, thoroughly—in believers, it produces wisdom that enables teaching and admonishing one another. This teaching occurs not only through formal instruction but through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The Word dwelling richly transforms the inner person and overflows into relationships with others.

The connection to intimacy is clear. The Word dwelling richly is both a means and a result of abiding in Christ. It is through the Word that we know Him, and it is through knowing Him that the Word takes deeper root.

This month’s focus on intimacy with God calls for examination of priorities. The one thing needful remains sitting at His feet, hearing His word, and abiding in His presence. Everything else flows from this.