When I was in Brazil a few months ago my cousin Demps made a statement that keeps echoing around in my head. We were talking about the differences in culture and spirituality between Brazil and America and he said, “The most dangerous place for my soul is suburban America.” What he was talking about was all of the millions of things available to us that very subtly distract us from God. Without us even knowing it sometimes, all of the things we have and do take little bits of our attention from him. Instead of being “icing on the cake,” all the blessings and pleasures that he allows us to experience (our iPods, Starbucks, Tivos, college football, movies, sports, and numerous social activities) so quickly and easily become the focus of our lives.
Just this past week I have spent a lot of time working on remodeling my house. I have finally made it to the painting stage, which is probably my least favorite part. But it has dominated my week. I had to caulk all of the joints and seams, set the nails, fill the nail holes, primer all the drywall and trim, tape off all the trim, pick out a color, and finally…. paint. Then of course I didnt like the way the color looked and had to change it. There is no telling how many hours, dollars, and trips to Lowes I have invested. Now, is there anything wrong with all that? Is it wrong to want to improve my house? Maybe not. But maybe, just maybe, I let it take a little too much of my time and energy this week.
The point is not to be legalistic about my time, money, or anything else. The point is the condition of my heart. Is it truly God’s or is it divided? The person whose heart is completely God’s, who enjoys all of the blessings of life as good gifts from him and the person whose heart is divided may look no different at all from the outside. So legalism is not an option. We much each continually check our hearts. “Search me oh God, and know my heart,” as David says. I’m not sure I am brave enough to pray that. I’m pretty sure what he would find would be disappointing. And I’m pretty sure that my heart doesnt like to change. But… I’m also pretty sure whats on the other side of that process is pretty good. Better than where I am now. Better than I can ask or imagine.
