In my observations, I find that it typically takes more than one thing to be truly successful, stay healthy, have a thriving marriage, or even warrant off deep wrinkles.

Jennifer Rothschild, an author of Bible studies, identifies four “one thing” Scriptures that I had never linked together. Here they are.

Jesus told Martha: “[Y]ou are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed” (Luke 10:41b-42a). Jesus was referring to the example of Martha’s sister, Mary, who had made the better choice. Rather that fussing over preparations, Mary spent time at the Lord’s feet listening to His teaching.

Similarly, we find King David praying, “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). David wholeheartedly longed to be in the Lord’s presence.

Now, peek at Paul’s focus. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14).

Finally, we hear the testimony of a man born blind. Unable to explain the miracle, he simply testified, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25b).

When the blind man gained his sight, I hope the one thing he did was follow the examples of Mary, David, and Paul. To choose to live for the Lord and spend time in His presence sounds like the best “thing” of all. (Oops, that might be two things!)  Oh well, let’s do it!