13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
This concept of “wholeheartedness” is central to finding God. There are numerous examples and admonishments to total love. Everyday the people of God recited the Shema, which contains the command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When the pharisee asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, Jesus referred back to this and added that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Have you ever tried to do something “half-hearted”? Let me ask the “Dr. Phil question”: How’s that working for you? My mother always seemed to catch me in the midst of a half-hearted effort. She would admonish me then with, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.”
As I reflect back on this half-heartedness, I think the problem laid in my allowing something to distract me from giving the task my full attention. It wasn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it was my music–I could do some serious jamming in my day…but I digress.
I like to reduce things down to their simplest form. So for today, let’s just consider one way to engage our whole heart on seeking God. Ready? Here’s your guide for the day:
Okay, perhaps I should have warned it wasn’t going to be an easy thing. It is however, the necessary thing Whatever it might be, if it keeps you from being able to seek God, to get closer to him, let it go! If it divides your heart and your loyalty, give it up. In the end, however good or satisfying it might be, if it doesn’t help you move towards God fully, it will separate you from him…and we don’t want to go there. Trust me on that!
PRAYER: Wholly holy, God. Forgive my half efforts and bless my efforts to pull the pieces in. Give me an undivided heart. Show me in plain and clear ways the things in my life that are keeping me from totally loving, serving, and living for you. Give me the courage and strength to give it up, walk away, or change, so that I can seek you with ALL my heart. Amen.
Pot of Manna 