Sunday, January 11, 2009

Object of my Attention

Yes, what do you suppose it could be, this object of my attention? Hmm, one could guess several things . . . trying to keep my New Year's Resolutions; Boo Bear's upcoming birthday; Lulu's upcoming Birth-Day; or perhaps the fact that LOST is going to premiere the new season in TEN DAYS!!!

And any of those guesses would be (ding ding ding) correct! Oh yes, January is full of things for me to obsess about. I didn't even mention yet that we have family coming for a visit in two days (safe travels, A&A!); MOPS is getting back in action this week requiring attention from myself; and the books I just ordered to educate and inspire me toward successful freelance writing are arriving Thursday, oh happy day!

Cats give it their WHOLE attention

But as usual, I got a bit of a redirect on my enthusiasm this morning from the pastor. Today's topic was worship, which he defined as, to love unquestioningly and uncritically. I was challenged to think about what are the things I love in this way? What do I worship with my attention?

Hmm. Well, God, of course. Mostly. As he fits into all the other things up there at the top of the post.

Perhaps I need to slow down and think about this one, though.

God created everything, from me to everything around me, so my response has to be to worship him, to give him my unquestioning love. A good reminder for me, to be sure. And I do need to refocus my efforts on the list at the top, so that God is the first focus and all the other things are applications of that focus.

Whatever it is . . .
it would not be worthy of attention AT ALL
if it were not worthy of COMPLETE attention!

But do you know the thought that blew this enterprising wordsmith away?

I saw this morning that God created everything with his WORDS. First of all, we know from John 1:1 that Jesus is referred to as The Word of God: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Then consider Psalm 33:5-6, which says that the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the WORD of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth . . . Let all the earth (worship) the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he SPOKE, and it came to be; he COMMANDED, and it stood firm. Using just words, he created everything we know.

Now think about this, something else you probably know. We are made in the image of God. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10).

You have my attention now!

If we are made in the image of God, and God created the world with his words, then it should come as no surprise that we in turn create the world around us with our words.

The things we say can create new relationships, or they can destroy relationships. They help us present ourselves to those we meet, for good or poor. Our words may also help others move toward, or quench their passion for, God.

Romans 12:1 says, in view of God's mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

As I realize the awesome power inherent in my words, and reflect on the fact that they are a gift, enabling me to build up or tear down the world around me, I am humbled by the responsibility. I can do nothing but give God my unquestioning, uncritical love and pray that he gives me words that are uplifting, that draw others toward him.

More than birthdays or births, more than to-do lists or even getting published, let the object of my attention be that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, would be pleasing to my Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). My challenge is to pursue him first of all, and to constantly seek to honor him with my words.

Perhaps this is the greatest New Year's Resolution of all.

3 comments:

  1. As powerful as I know words are, I never stopped to think that it was God's words that created. Don't I feel silly. LOL.

    So, you're a fellow LOST fanatic? We are die-hards. It's sad. But, I can't wait.

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  2. Thanks for your heart Krista. God used it to speak to mine tonight.

    My husband and I just started a new small group bible study at church studying the book of James. I love how James demands nothing less than growth as a child of God! Already, God is speaking to my heart that He desires more of my undivided attention - or that true worship you referenced.

    That's my prayer for myself this new year - new babies and all! : )

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  3. Indeed, I would agree that it's the greatest resolution to live by. Everyday. Great post. I love the photos you select to add interest to your posts.

    I am excited to meet your LuLu!

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