More than anything?

If asked today, 'what is your life about? what do you hope to be accomplished in your living?' could you answer cogently, succinctly, readily? Would you need to scratch your head, think, fumble and perhaps come up with something by tomorrow, or could you say with conviction and certainty - 'this is why I live?' In the 1991 comedy about mid-life crisis starring Billy Crystal- "City Slickers," we met Curly Washington, the gnarly cowboy, who held up his index finger and challenged the city slickers on the cattle drive to know 'the one thing,' that life was about, enigmatically leaving that 'one thing' unspecified. It was part of the humor! We laughed at Jack Palance's portrayal of the wise cowboy who couldn't quite say what he meant.

Life is about focus, about bringing all the various parts of ourselves in line with the one thing! Too many of us live scattered or fragmented lives and, as a result, have little real impact on the world. Lacking a unifying purpose, we serve many masters and, in the process of trying to pleasing each one, satisfy none! Kierkegaard, the philosopher, observed that "to will one thing" produces purity of heart. What does he mean? We must live with the desire to love God as THE one thing that over-rides all others in our minds and hearts.

The Scripture says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, NIV) A contemporary translation amplifies the meaning for us: "Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field." (James 4:8, The Message)

God wants to the One Love of our life, the One that we are focused on, and 'round Whom all other things are oriented. Jesus said it profoundly - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and heart." The love of which He spoke is not the sentiment of the greeting card or the warm fuzzy feeling provoked by some family picture. It is the choice to submit and serve.

At the beginning of this week, I encourage you to spend time prayerfully, thoughtfully, inviting the Holy Spirit's aid to evaluate your life in light of God's love. Be scrupulous, tough on yourself!

As you look through your daily planner, ask - does the way that I organize my time reflect that I love God more than anyone or anything else?

As you review your financial choices, look for evidence that you are demonstrating your love for God with your spending.

Sort through the attitudes of your heart and honestly review them to see if they are submitted to your love of God.

Jesus promised that God's holy commandments would be fulfilled in us completely, IF we commit ourselves to loving God as THE priority choice in life. Does the Lord sense that you are torn between two loves, that you are fragmented because you love yourself more than Him, or that you love pleasure more than Him, or that you love ___________ (what idol seduces you?) more than Him?

Fads, fashions, and trends will come and go. If we are slaves to those things, our lives will be full of instability as we shift our compass to point to the 'new true North' dictated by society. However, God's purpose never changes. His high calling is constant, steady, and consistent. Those who are oriented to His Truth, are drawn on steadily, with a course that is trued and straight.
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"Father, many voices call to us from the periphery of our lives.
Many who would be our masters, ask for our loyalties.Good things and people ask us to fulfill their agendas.We need your wisdom to find the one thing that is necessary.
Speak to us clearly, patiently, yes, Lord- persistently.

And, help us, oh, help us to focus on loving You,
more than anything or anyone else.
As we live with competing demands of
home, family, church, and business;
become the One Unifying focus for us and in us.
Be the Lord of Life,
not merely in the words of our worship songs,
but in the work of our hands.
in the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen."