Not Missing the One Necessary Thing: Jesus
We may immerse ourselves in good things, godly things, and even in ministry. But if we miss Jesus, we’ve missed it. Because it’s possible to be surrounded by spiritual activity and still miss the Person at the center of it all. Jesus is the one necessary thing.
My husband Mike and I have spent the majority of our married life in ministry. Much of the ministry God called us to was in the church: me in women and student ministry and Mike as a youth and lead pastor. And our calling included mission work as well.
But even ministry leaders and followers of Christ sometimes lose focus. Like:
Distracted with kingdom busyness, but miss the Holy King. Jesus.
Do good without knowing our good God intimately.
In His service, but not sitting at His feet.
1. Good Things Can Become Distracting Things: One Necessary Thing
Not every distraction is sinful or a bad thing. Sometimes the greatest distractions are good, noble, and spiritual activities that subtly replace intimacy with Jesus.
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:7–10 (ESV)
Paul’s focus was not merely ministry but knowing Christ above all.
Am I pursuing Jesus, or merely pursuing things about Jesus?
2. Religious Activity Without Relationship
“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’Even impressive ministry accomplishments cannot substitute for knowing Christ.” Matthew 7:22–23 (ESV)
Serving Christ is important, but service was never meant to replace fellowship with Him.
We can work for Jesus and neglect being with Jesus or even knowing Him as Lord and Savior.
3. Searching the Scriptures but Missing Christ: One Necessary Thing
The Scriptures were always meant to lead us to Jesus.
‘You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” John 5:39–40 (ESV)
People can study God’s Word and still miss the One to whom it points.
Scripture study is essential, but its ultimate purpose is not information—it’s transformation through encountering Christ.
Am I reading the Bible to know more, or to know Jesus more?
Am I reading the Bible to know more, or to know Jesus more? Share on X4. Religious Success Is Not the Same as Spiritual Health
Maybe we know Jesus but leave our first love. Him. The church in Ephesus had doctrine, perseverance, and service—but had abandoned its first love. (see Revelation 2:2–4)
People can appear fruitful, active, and respected while their hearts grow distant from Jesus.
Activity can hide emptiness.
5. Jesus Himself Is the One Necessary Thing
The Christian life is not primarily about ministry and programs. It is about Christ.
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.’ Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38–42 (ESV, emphasis added)
This is perhaps the clearest picture of missing Jesus. Martha was serving Jesus but missing the opportunity to simply be with Him.
Jesus. The One Necessary Thing
We can fill our lives with Bible studies, church activities, ministry opportunities, and worthy causes. Yet the greatest tragedy is focusing on the pursuitt of spiritual things while losing sight of Jesus. The goal of the Christian life is not merely to do things for Christ, but to know Him, love Him, and remain near Him.
We may immerse ourselves in good things, godly things, and even in ministry. But if we miss Jesus, we've missed the one necessary thing. Share on X
If we have Jesus, everything else finds its meaning. If we miss Jesus, we’ve missed it all.
Featured photos courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.
Last week’s article, Freedom Worth Celebrating: America and Jesus.
Sometimes I participate in these link-ups: Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).
© 2026 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Jesus is the one necessity, Karen. While all the other church-related activities are worthy, nothing matters if we aren’t securely bound in our personal relationship with the Lord. Blessings always!