One Thingනියැදිය

Making the One Thing the One Thing

Do you ever feel like your quiet time is a task to check off your to-do list? You may desire spiritual intimacy, but spending time in God’s Word feels like a duty, and not the delight of your heart. Perhaps you wonder if you should open your Bible and pray if your heart isn't in it.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone!

Centuries ago, early church Fathers described a different way of living using a Latin phrase: Otium Sanctum, or holy leisure. Although we associate leisure with relaxation, holy leisure wasn’t laziness, but finding true rest in pursuing the good, the true, and the beautiful.

Perhaps David was longing for holy leisure when he wrote,

“One thing have I asked of the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord… to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4, ESV).

David knew nothing could rival being in God’s presence—this was the one thing he wanted most of all.

When Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while her sister was busy serving, Jesus gently reminded Martha,

“You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:41–42, ESV).

Mary’s heart posture wasn’t lazy or unproductive; rather, it was focused on eternal things—the one thing necessary was enjoying Jesus’ presence and holy words.

This is also what Paul declared as his life’s ambition:

“But one thing I do… I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14, ESV).

Even Paul, with all his religious knowledge and zeal, understood the goal wasn’t doing more for God—the one thing was to press on to know and enjoy Jesus Christ.

This devotional plan invites you to discover that all-important “one thing.” Each day, we’ll look at familiar biblical characters and their personality traits. You may see yourself in some or all of them as we consider what it means to transition from merely checking your quiet time box every day to choosing the better portion, being in the presence of Jesus.

Holy leisure isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing the one thing your heart desires most, enjoying God. Let’s pursue it together!