Christian Living

Diligent Devotion The Power of Focusing on What Matters Most

by Brother Carlton 
04/22/25
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Let me tell you a quick story.

Years ago, I was juggling multiple jobs—delivery driver, security for the show "Win Ben Stein's Money" even cleaned out garages and yards full of junk. I was chasing money, yes—but also chasing meaning. I wanted to feel like I was getting somewhere. But the more things I tried to do, the more scattered I felt. I was busy, but I wasn’t building anything. It wasn’t until I learned to focus that things began to change.

That reminds me of something Paul said in Philippians 3:13: “This one thing I do.” That line has stuck with me. Not “these 17 things I dabble in.” Not “all the directions I’m being pulled.” One thing. Singular. Focused. Intentional.

There’s a kind of sacred power in doing one thing well—especially when that “one thing” is following Jesus.

The Beauty of Single-Minded Devotion

Paul wasn’t saying he had everything figured out. In fact, just a few verses earlier (Philippians 3:9), he talks about not having a righteousness of his own, but one that comes through faith in Christ. He knew he hadn’t arrived—but he also wasn’t stuck. He pressed forward.

“This one thing I do.” That’s not just a motto. That’s a mindset. Paul wasn’t content with a lukewarm, half-in spiritual life. He was all in. Focused. Determined.

And when you think about it, Jesus echoed the same principle. Remember the rich young ruler? Jesus looked him in the eye and said, “One thing you lack.” (Mark 10:21). Martha was distracted with much serving, but Jesus said to her, “One thing is needful.” (Luke 10:42). The blind man, when grilled by the Pharisees, said, “One thing I know: I was blind, but now I see.” (John 9:25).

There’s something about that “one thing” that cuts through the noise and clutter of life.

A Personal Turning Point

I remember after the housing market crash hit in 2008, my junk removal business took a nosedive. I had built it from the ground up. At one point, I was making $3,000 to $5,000 a week. But I had no backup plan. I was relying on one or two marketing channels, and when they dried up, so did my income.

It felt like I had to start over—but in a good way.

That’s when I started reading the Bible with new eyes. Not just for inspiration—but for instruction. I saw that God was calling me not to chase five dreams, but to walk faithfully in one direction. For me, that became evangelism and discipleship. Speaking. Writing. Helping others find their calling. That was my “one thing.”

The Power of Focus

Think of it like this: a river with no banks is just a flood. But a river with structure? It becomes a source of power, even electricity.

The same is true of our lives. We may have many interests, but there’s strength in focus. Even Jesus, with all the needs around Him, kept His focus on the mission: doing the will of His Father.

In Nehemiah 6:3, when his enemies tried to distract him from rebuilding the wall, he said: “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” That’s clarity. That’s conviction. That’s diligence.

What’s Your One Thing?

Maybe you’ve been pulled in a dozen directions. Family obligations. Side hustles. Ministry ideas. Dreams on the back burner. It's easy to feel stretched thin, like butter scraped over too much bread.

But maybe today is a good time to pause and ask: What’s the one thing God is calling me to focus on in this season?

It won’t always be glamorous. It may not even look like “ministry” in the traditional sense. But if it’s the thing God has placed in your hands—do it with your whole heart.

D.L. Moody, one of the great evangelists of the 1800s, used to be involved in all kinds of ministry. But after the great Chicago fire of 1871, he shifted gears. He said, “This one thing I do.” He focused on evangelism. The results? Millions heard the gospel. His legacy still echoes today.

Final Thought

You don’t have to do everything. Just do the right thing—and do it well.

Whether you’re in ministry, business, or still figuring life out, the principle is the same: your power is in your focus. Not your hustle. Not your multitasking. But your diligent devotion to what matters most.

So—what’s your “one thing”?

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers business coaching and inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.