Fuzzy Borders

Reading Psalm 27 this morning reminded me of an age old problem with life. This problem very likely may make the distinction between the successful and the mediocre. It is the problem of fuzzy borders.

Life in the twenty-first century seems unlike life at any other time. Technology has exploded with the result that choices abound. In fact, choices overwhelm us because opportunities overwhelm us. In a quieter time in history, “lights out” happened at sundown, and choices for evening activity did not involve recording one show while you watched another. In a quieter time in history, daily work began early and wasn’t interrupted by email, blogs, news, and phone calls.

Today, many have fuzzy borders in their lives. They don’t know what to give and what to keep. They don’t know how to say “No” to things less pressing. They don’t have the will to prioritize their affections and desires. The most desirable gets done, regardless of how much of a waste of time it is, or how unproductive it may be.

Mark McCormack, head of International Marketing Group (IMG, a large sports management agency) spends a lot of time in his book Staying Street Smart In An Internet Age developing the idea of managing time. If the children of this world have recognized this need for sharp borders, how much more should children of the light, who have a much greater calling.

We need to sharpen the borders of our lives, to clearly define the things that are “in” and “out.” We must refuse to get distracted by things that do not further the mission for which God has placed us on the earth. We must seek to know God, and to do what God has called us to do. Put everything else outside the border.

With the psalmist may we say,

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.
Psalm 27:4