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BY PASTOR DAVID ODOM
Multitasking is one of the most commonly used terms on a good resume builder. Almost everyone adds this to the list of strengths to help build the case for a strong work ethic. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are able to complete multiple tasks at the same time. We somehow use that to help determine our worth or value to a company or one of our customers.
The very mention of multitasking appeals to most people because they assume that they are getting more bang for their buck or more things completed in a smaller time frame. However, that is not always the case. As a nation it has consumed us so much that we can’t just drive our vehicle to the store and talk with our family or spouse on the drive. We instead use that time to check our text messages, check stock prices, check bank account levels, and catch up on sports scores or the latest trends on Facebook or Twitter. We are not just content to enjoy that small moment in time and the simplicity of it.
Instead, we use that time to cram any and everything we possibly can into a given time frame and we call it being a great “multitasker.” I have seen people texting and driving, driving while eating food and changing gears, I have seen ladies putting on their makeup while driving down the road in their vehicle while steering with their knees. It seems we multitask everything so we can fit more things or activities in our days.
I read an article this week which mentioned the COVID-19 epidemic. It wasn’t talking about the pandemic itself, but about the epidemic of multitasking. It struck a note with me, as I began to tune in and how multitasking can be wonderful in some aspects of our life, while in other parts of our life it can began to destroy our families, marriages, jobs, and ultimately our faith.
So the challenging question that I left with was one that is still ringing in my ears: “Are you multitasking your faith?” While this is a very hard answer to come to grips with I will be the first to admit I am guilty. Guilty, like most of us whether we admit it or not, guilty of trying to squeeze a morning devotion in on the way to work while driving, eating, and in your mind planning out the rest of your day. Guilty, of not spending my alone time with God and making that time special and important above all other things. Guilty, in rushing out a prayer while in the shower, before I lay down to bed, or a quick “bless this food in Jesus name Amen” prayer just to say that I said my prayer.
I went back and looked at the life of John the Baptist who was a forerunner for Jesus and I wondered if he tried to multitask while preparing the way for the Messiah. John said there is one that come after me whom shoes I am not worthy to latch. He knew the importance of Jesus and had far too much respect to be “multitasking” the task that God gave him.
Later in Mark 1, Jesus passed two different boats fully loaded with staff, family, and equipment to use to provide for their families and careers. As Jesus came by and told them to follow him, they left it all behind and followed Jesus. There was no room for multitasking in their fishing career. What would our life today and our knowledge of the gospel be like if we saw that multitasking was our job and our chore was to spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
I am thankful for those disciples. I am thankful for the men that give up their dreams to follow God’s plan so the gospel could reach the world. I am thankful for the preachers who give their full time and efforts to preach the gospel. I am thankful for those bi-vocational preachers and Sunday school teachers that give everything they have to teach and preach and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There are many places that multitasking is a sought after quality and Jesus is not asking most of us to give up our jobs, families, and careers. But, I think what he would ask us is not to multitask our faith.
We should set aside a specific time each and every day to God with no multitasking involved. No hidden agenda and no other activities or thoughts while spending time with God.
So, I challenge you “multitask” what needs multitasking. But when it comes to God, Faith, and Family don’t multitask and miss out on the blessings. Sit back and enjoy those SELAH moments in the BIBLE.
GOD BLESS!!
(The Solution Column is provided by Pastor Brandon Young at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, Hampton, and his associate, David Odom.)