I hear all the time about the squirrels out there that bounce from item to item as they are distracted by the next shiny thing. It is our focus as man that gives us the ability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. The challenge we have as man is that our mind is one place and our hearts are another and that puts us at odds.
“1What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” — James 4:1 (ESV)
Here I see that we as man are sinners as we are not following one path, but multiple ones and that may be the thing that causes us to sin as we are not focused on the one thing in our heart that is righteous. It is the heart that should be directing me. I have long said and will continue to do so as relates to a career, “do what you love doing and find a way to monetize it”. Well, finding what you love requires the heart, and that is where we have to begin to remove that which is at odds.
“8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” — James 4:8 (ESV)
Alignment and focus of purpose. I have to start with my heart and then align the rest of me with my heart. What better place to align than with Christ. I have to go through the process of purifying my heart to Christ. Once I have done so, I will have the opportunity to align the rest of me there.
I have been given the gift of salvation, and where that does not remove the sin from me, it does give me direction and alignment. I am still a sinner and always will be, but I have to do the work to avoid sin. It starts in my heart. I have to remember that I have been given this salvation and forgiveness and I have to embrace that salvation and forgiveness to move forward with God’s plan for me. I have to focus on Him and the work for Him and that will aid me in avoiding the sin that plagues me. I have to remain vigilant with the work and not allow myself to become idle so that my mind can wander into the desires of the world as it those desires that lead to sin.
“14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” — James 1:14-15 (ESV)
I have to remember to stay aligned. I have to start with my heart that has been given to God. Once I am focused there, I must bring my mind into the work to guide my actions that are done with my hands. All of this will then work to remove the “at odds” in me and I will be more able to actively avoid sins. I will still sin, but my sin will not be active and will be greatly reduced and, I am still responsible for the repentance of those sins that I was unaware.
What is the status on your inner self? Is your heart, head, and hands pulling you in different directions? What if gave your heart to God and aligned the rest of you there?
Trevor's Thoughts 