journey onWord with us

Multi-tasking is standard operating procedure for most individuals who have a desire to be effective in this modern world. As an illustration, one night last week I was on a trip driving at about 70mph, talking to my wife on a cell phone, in a rainstorm, when severe lightening lit up the sky. At that moment, I realized too much was happening for me to drive safely, and I got off the phone. We now live in a world that let’s us accomplish more through technological advances, but often with less focused thinking. Have you ever been talking to someone on the phone, while completing a task on your computer? Shamefully, we all have! With all the conveniences technology has brought, we have to navigate the potential for distraction, and in reality, less effectiveness. But how can we relate multi-tasking and distractions to issues of the heart?

We all believe that in the core of our being, the Heart, we need to have things in order. When worry, anxiety, too much activity, guilt or any other issues distract us from having a heart at rest, our effectiveness suffers. While having a heart that is at peace, and that is focused on honoring God and caring for others is definitely the Father’s design, it is admittedly a struggle. Just as cell phone calls seem to come at all the wrong times, life’s issues seem to get in the way of us having a heart that is undivided and fully focused on the purpose God has for us. You may recall verses that say “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart” or “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”. So although it is not easy, relentlessly pursuing an undivided heart is God’s will.

A passionate, emotional follower of God knew a bit of our heart issues (excluding the cell phone dilemma). David, “a man after God’s own heart” made a conscious choice to pursue an undivided heart. His words are clear:

Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

From a theoretical standpoint, we would all say, “give me an undivided heart”. But from the place we all live, heart issues need constant attention. David was realistic in knowing that he was apt to wander and needed God’s help for his journey. We are no different. And a willingness to examine our values, motives and daily agendas from His perspective, will give us a renewed sense of direction. Most of the circumstances and people in our lives will seek to divide our allegiance (heart). But if first and foremost we seek His way and commit to walk in His truth as David did, there will be rest we cannot manufacture and results we could not achieve alone. But is it worth it?

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there be any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

I love cell phones, and multi-tasking is part of life. But when all the advances pull us from loving and caring for others (starting at home), then we are distracted and less effective.  And when our hearts are divided, we are eternally less effective. Examine your heart and go forward today with an undivided heart.