George Whitfield, the evangelist, born in 1714, preached the gospel in America and Great Britain with untiring zeal. On one of his preaching tours he spent the night at the luxurious home of General Thompson. After he had gone, the General noticed some scratches on the bedroom window-pane. Someone had etched on the glass the words:
But one thing thou lackest
"Depend upon it," said the general to his wife, "this is George Whitfield's work.”
As he thought of his magnificent home, costly furniture and beautiful grounds, his servants and horses, his loving wife and darling children, his big bank account and large financial resources, he wondered, what could be lacking? Ah, the "one thing" he lacked, not all the world's wealth could buy: neither could all the love of his dear ones procure it.
The evening before, George Whitfield had been sorely exercised as he went to bed. Instead of speaking freely to his host and hostess about eternal matters as he usually did wherever he might be staying, a strange power held him back.
Satan was busy with many reasons why on this occasion he should not be as faithful as at other times. Truly nothing could be wanting in the kindness he had been shown—the hearty welcome, the concern for his comfort, the dainties provided all told of tender loving care. And all the surroundings radiated satisfaction so far as earthly things were concerned.
But there was "one thing"—the love for Whitfield's dear Master, whom he delighted to serve, was not in General Thompson's mansion or family, and he felt it keenly; the more so as his tongue kept silence.
Before he left his room in the morning, George Whtifield took off his diamond ring, and etched on the glass the above message which he felt he must leave to bear its silent witness.
As General Thompson read it, the conviction grew on him, "This holy man of God loves my soul." His wife agreed and said,
“Yes, he has evidently not been happy here, although we did our best to make him so. It is because we do not love the Lord.”
Soon father, mother and six children were kneeling together, stricken by that message on the glass.
Earnestly they sought the Savior and prayed for this "one thing." And He who delights in mercy gave a loving answer to their prayer, sending peace and joy into their hearts—the peace which comes from the knowledge of sins forgiven, and the joy which can only be known through possessing the "one thing" needful.
Have you found this "one thing" which is truly one Person? That Person is Christ. If so, then "all things are yours." (1 Cor. 3:2121Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (1 Corinthians 3:21)) But without Him you are poor indeed.