About Jesus  -  Steve Sweetman

My One Desire

"One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire at His temple" (KJV). 

Anyone who was a Charismatic style Christian in 1972 as I was may remember Charles Simpson.  After becoming serious about studying the Bible in 1970, the first cassette teaching tape I listened to was by Simpson.  It was based on Psalm 27:4.  Its impact on me has lasted to this very day.   

I was 20 years old in the spring of 1972 when the desire expressed in Psalm 27:4 sunk deep into my soul.  My desire was to dwell in God's New Testament house or temple, the Body of Christ, the church.  It was there I began to see the beauty of our Lord and enquire of Him.    

I soon realized back then that church is more than a meeting, a building, and an organization.  Church was the brothers in the Lord to whom Jesus had joined me, and He did so, not just for the fun of fellowship, but for the work of the ministry.  I call these relationships "functional relationships" because they are both supportive friendships and a means by which one can function in the service of our Lord.  It was in the midst of those with whom Jesus had placed me alongside that I could enquire of the Lord and see His beauty. 

Church is a community of dedicated Jesus people who have been networked together in functional relationships.  When church is working as it should, it's a wonderful place to dwell.  When it's not, it can be very frustrating.        

My desire has always been to serve Jesus in the best way I know how.  Now that I have become a senior citizen, my desire to serve Jesus is stronger than ever.  What younger people don't think much about, I do.  My years are more limited than ever, not because of poor health but because of age.  Of course, no one is guaranteed a tomorrow, not even young people. 

Here's the question for those of my age.  As you enter the twilight of life, what is your burning desire?  Is it to serve yourself, which is basic human nature, or is it to serve Jesus in His New Testament house?  Jesus never called us to simply sit in pews.  He has called us to do His will.  If your desire is to serve Jesus, be assured, the rest of your life will be greatly blessed.  You will then say as the Apostle Paul anticipated saying to Jesus on that all important day.  "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

What is the one thing you desire?