Spiritual Multitasking

This may be a familiar scenario: You are busily working on your computer. The television is on. Your cell phone buzzes, letting you know that a text message has just arrived. Someone walks into the room and asks you a question. Your first response: “Huh?” While we like to pride ourselves these days on our ability to multitask, there are still things in life that require us to focus.

The human brain is exceptional. It can process millions of bits of information in an instant. And, yes, the brain does have the ability to handle a number of different tasks simultaneously. However, studies have shown that certain tasks should be given our complete attention. For example, it’s no urban legend that talking on one’s cell phone while driving can be deadly. And let’s not even get started with texting while driving! Without a complete focus on what’s happening on the road, you are vulnerable to every unexpected hazard.

The same line of thinking can be applied to our spiritual focus. With so much going on in our lives, seemingly at all times, we may often find ourselves spiritually multitasking: Sitting in church service, thinking about what to put on the table for dinner. Doing the daily Bible reading while listening to the traffic news or weather report for our morning commute. If at any point God were to say something to us, our spirit’s response would be “Huh?”

God makes it clear in His Word that He doesn’t want us to put anything before Him—or even alongside Him. Our focus should be on Him completely, especially at times when we are in worship, in study, or in prayer. When God made His covenant with the Israelites, He instructed, “Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.” (Deuteronomy 28:14) While the “other gods” back then were graven images carved out of wood and stone, today’s “other gods” may be our gadgets or other interests.

God demands and deserves our undivided attention. I’m going to make sure He gets mine!