One Holy Passion

The Sunday edition of The Express Times had an article about multi-tasking- the way many of us function in life. We talk on our cell phone while driving our car, while we listen to the radio. In the office we are reading email, while talking on phone, while working on a memo, while getting budget figures together. I read it with interest since that is how I conduct my life most of the time. The author reported that studies reveal that multi-tasking does not necessarily make a person more productive. It just appears that way. In actuality each time a person changes focus, he loses efficiency and effectiveness. Trying to do two things at the same time is, according to the author, "a road to mediocrity."

It is not only our focus and attention that gets divided. Many of us live with hearts that are divided, with many loves. No, I'm not talking about romantic attachments to people other than our spouse! I'm talking about what gets us going in life, the attitudes and attachments that form the core of our identity. If you are reading this TFTD, it is likely that you are a Believer, a person who loves God. But is it a singular love? Is your love of God the hub from which all other aspects of your life radiate, the governing quality of who you are and what you do?

A man once came to Jesus to inquire about eternal life. "Good Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?" (Luke 18:18, CEV) Jesus asked him whether he was obedient to the commandments. The man claimed that he was scrupulous in his morality. From Jesus' answer, which did not challenge the honesty of his reply, I conclude the man was telling the truth. Then Jesus threw him a big challenge: "If you want to be perfect (complete and spiritually whole), go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21, NLT) The one thing the man could not claim was a singular love for God. He loved his stuff and Jesus knew it. So, He told him to get rid of it and learn to love God with his whole heart. The tragic end of that story is that the man was "crestfallen... He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go." (Matthew 19:22, The Message)

Let's not miss the point of the story. It is not about a command to universal poverty! It is about the importance of a heart that is undivided. It is not just money that captivates our hearts. We can be in love with reputation, with pleasure, with our family, with status, with sports, with financial security, with physical fitness, with intellect; the list is long and varied. Jesus' challenge to that man is rephrased for each one of us in this commandment. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37, NIV)

Some of you are wondering, perhaps even raising an objection. "But my heart goes its own way. I cannot control my feelings." That is wrong on two counts.
First, love is not a feeling; it is a choice of will. Attractions come and go. Desires to own things and people arise in us uninvited. That is not love! That is just desire or infatuation.
Second, you are in control of your heart. It is not an easy thing to tame, nor is it pleasant to say 'no' to a heart that yearns for something it cannot have. It will ache and even break!

If you have trusted Christ as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit lives in you giving you strength to govern the impulses of your heart. The Word would not command you to do what is impossible and we read this directive: "You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side." (Colossians 3:1, CEV) If we want to become Christians who lives consistently please God, the place to begin is at the core - in our hearts - seeking one holy passion.

Here's a word from the Word in which God promises a renewal. Read it with faith!
"They will return to it (Israel, the home of the people of God) and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11:18-20, NIV)

An undivided heart - that's what pleases Him and what makes us truly effective in His service.
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A Pure Heart - Rusty Nelson

A pure heart, that's what I long for,
A heart that follows hard after Thee;
A pure heart, that's what I long for,
A heart that follows hard after Thee.

A heart that hides Your Word
So that sin will not come in,
A heart that's undivided
But one You rule and reign;
A heart that beats compassion,
That pleases You, my Lord,
A sweet aroma of worship
That rises to Your throne.

© 1992 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055