Undivided hearts...."

Ever hear of Twila Paris, the Christian musical composer and singer? She did this wonderful song that I won't hum or sing to you--aren't you glad? It is about having an 'undivided heart" for the Lord. In fact, the chorus is "give me an undivided heart..place a new spirit in me". Sounds like a reminder to seek God first. It also sounds like today's politics.

Given the state of the nation, the upcoming presidential election, and the Republican primary in process; the news is full of division. Yet candidates call for unity--not division in their ranks. Most everyone has his or her own idea of how to straighten out our nation, at least those who care. I still think there are folks who just want to live day to day and shop at the mall. Unless it really hurts them personally, they could care less. This class of folks makes for an interesting voting block--or non-voting block! Then there are the folks who believe strongly that their way is the only way. Match that group up against the folks who are afraid of social and moral issues--or those who only want to talk about social and moral issues. Are they afraid that someone will tell them what to do--more so than is done already? There are the blame shifters and finger pointers who see sins in the closet of everyone but their candidate or their own lives. Divided as a nation? I think so, and so do the pollsters who show figures like 46% want this and 44% want that. The group polling higher is often a function of last night's TV news. What did we fight the Civil War for? Is this democracy? Will special interest groups win the day? What about the silent majority--is there one--a majority I mean? Where is our 'union'?

So I ask myself, both politically and spiritually--do I have an 'undivided heart'? Can there be one person or one opinion or one truth out there in this world that is really true and worth fighting for? Or will we always have to compromise? When is standing up for something and not giving in the correct state of mind and action? When is being willing to give a bit to meet the needs of others a better course?

I admit that I admire anyone who won't give in when he or she believes in something. Even when I disagree, I admire tenacity. But the real issue is what to believe in. Since time began that has been the rub as Shakespeare would say. I believe in God. You believe in Allah. Someone else doesn't believe at all. Even among those who believe in God, the Christians argue over doctrine and issues of faith. All those engaged in the argument believe that they are right. So, they fight on.

"Teach me Your way, O Lord and I will walk in Your truth;

Give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your Name."

Psalm 86: 11

Guess that solves my problem. When I seek the Lord and learn of His Ways, then I will know the truth and walk in it. So, I pray ..."give me an undivided heart" that I may do just that and then guide me to apply that Truth to your world here on earth. Not an easy task, but we have the ultimate Helper. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...." Proverbs 1 xo