It was a typical Friday morning. I was off from work and wanted to start my day. But first…coffee and Jesus.
While I was still in my pajamas and fuzzy socks, I grabbed my coffee, climbed back in bed and opened my laptop to read my Bible. (Thank you YouVersion!)
I was ready to dive into the Word but then heard my phone ding. Actually, it was more like “Pick me up now! Don’t you want to know who just texted you?” So, I gave in.
After I read the text, I put my phone down and started reading my chapters in Ezekiel. Yes, Ezekiel which isn’t the easiest of reads. I was having a hard time focusing from the start then it happened again…
DING!
Since I hadn’t really made it very far in my reading (at least that’s what I told myself), I looked at my phone again.
I eventually got back to my chapter and in the middle of a very detailed description of the temple, Ezekiel described a particular area with a wall to “separate what was holy from what was common.” (Ezekiel 42:20 NLT)
A lot has changed since the days of the Old Testament. There are terms and guidelines for worship that we no longer use in the modern church today. Various offerings were acceptable as long as they met certain criteria. People were instructed to “consecrate” themselves prior to entering God’s presence.
While we may not have to follow the specific laws & regulations when it comes to our worship, there are still principles we can apply. What does separating the holy from the common look like today? It may be different for everyone but here are a few things to consider (which I am obviously still a work in progress.)
1. Wait
I do not have a green thumb at all but there is one thing I do know… flower stems should be cut under a stream of running water. Why? It “reduces the risk of air pockets and allows the flowers to absorb water right away.”*
There is nothing like a little scrolling to create its own “air pockets”. It’s hard to absorb the Word when we’ve already filled our hearts and minds with something else. So, consider waiting to check social media. In other words, before you get on the Facebook, get in the Good Book. (I’m sure I saw that on a t-shirt somewhere)
2. Focus
The video announcements during church doesn’t mean “you may now catch up on texts/make a grocery list/reply to an email/etc.” Jesus challenged His own disciples, “Could you not watch with me even one hour?” (Mark 14:37 NLT). I feel like He wants the same from us today.
3. Change your posture
I am all about praying in my comfy chair but there are times when changing my physical posture (kneeling) impacts my heart posture. It reminds me that I am in the presence of a King.
What are ways that you can separate the holy from the common? God doesn’t expect perfection from us but He does deserve our best…and our full attention.
~Anu
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
*from Teleflora
