What actions can we take to avoid having a "divided heart"? Setting the Stage Psalm 86:11 anchors our study: “Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name.” An undivided heart is single-minded devotion to the Lord—no rival loves, no competing loyalties. What Is a Divided Heart? • A heart pulled in two directions (James 1:8; Matthew 6:24) • Affection for God mixed with affection for the world (1 John 2:15) • The spiritual instability seen in Solomon’s later years (1 Kings 11:4) Actions That Protect Us from a Divided Heart • Love God wholeheartedly – Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37 • Saturate the mind with Scripture – Psalm 119:10–11; Colossians 3:16 • Practice immediate obedience – John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Guard affections and influences – Proverbs 4:23; 1 Corinthians 15:33 • Cultivate continual fellowship with believers • Keep short accounts with God through confession • Serve with singleness of purpose – Colossians 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:9 • Fix eyes on eternal rewards, not temporary gain – Colossians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:18 Real-Life Applications • Schedule daily, unrushed time in the Word; log key verses that confront half-heartedness. • Replace split focus (social media, material pursuits) with Christ-centered goals—set clear limits and accountability. • Memorize Psalm 86:11; pray it whenever you sense loyalties drifting. • Identify one area of delayed obedience and address it this week. • Join or start a small group that keeps one another focused on Christ. Scripture Highlights to Remember • “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24) • “With all my heart I have sought You.” (Psalm 119:10) • “Guard your heart with all diligence.” (Proverbs 4:23) • “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) Encouragement for the Journey God Himself promises the grace we need for an undivided heart. As we pursue the actions above, He faithfully molds our desires so that loving Him fully becomes both our duty and our delight. |
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