Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

DIVIDED HEART The old story of the mule caught in indecision between two piles of hay is a classic. The poor animal moved toward one pile to eat, only to be distracted by the aroma from the other. Back and forth he went until he starved to death. One might doubt the historicity of the story but not the truth it illustrates. One who remains between two strong forces weakens his position and dissipates his effectiveness. Jesus said we cannot serve God and mammon. On Mount Carmel, Elijah asked Israel: How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him (1 Kings 18:21). Joshua demanded: Choose you this day who you will serve. The psalmist prayed: Unite my heart to fear Your name. A divided heart spells disaster and defeat; the single-minded heart dedicated to Christ brings victory and power. Many things demand our attention, and we often get wrapped up in interesting but rather unimportant things. Sometimes the business of living saps so much of our strength that we have only leftovers for the Lord. Some even try to give the Lord some time and money but not all of their hearts. The wise person realizes he cannot serve two masters, and he dedicates his whole life to the Lord. This means even his "secular" decisions are made only after asking the Lord's advice. The united heart never forgets to press "toward the mark." Let us pledge today that even in small decisions, we first will seek the Lord's will.