A Matter of the Heart
If we can agree that our upcoming week matters, whatever it brings, then let’s adjust our attitude (heart), if necessary, as we take it on. We have a number of considerations to make.
First, let’s eliminate the sports cliché option that says, “They lost the game because their heart wasn’t in it.” Second, Tony Bennett’s famous lyrics, “I left My Heart in San Francisco,” although captivating and fun to sing, isn’t really all that relevant or practical for what lies in store.
There is one attitude that wows me, however, as our possible direction. It’s found in the lifestyle of the renowned Scottish Doctor and African missionary, David Livingstone. When this famous African missionary doctor died, his body was buried back at Westminster Abbey. More amazingly, his heart was literally removed from his body by the Africans and buried in Africa, the continent he loved and considered a privilege to serve.
Dr. Livingstone’s example helps us to heighten our awareness as to the seriousness of our purpose and the potential we have to conduct ourselves this coming week. Will we have a ho-hum whatever happens —happens attitude? Will we set ourselves on some intellectual or emotional fire only to fizzle out at week’s end? Or will we purpose to operate in a dedicated lifestyle of making a positive difference in our own personal lives and the lives of those around us?
The funeral scene of Dr. David Livingstone must have been unique. As a man openly wept, a friend asked if he knew Livingstone personally.
The man said,” I was not crying for Livingstone, I was crying for myself. Dr. Livingstone lived and died for something and I have lived for nothing.”
I’m not advocating for our hearts to literally be taken from our bodies to prove we mean business this week. What I am suggesting, however, is to consider the comfortable truth that generated Dr. Livingstone’s attitude to endure “his weeks.” Rather than living the high and safe life in Scotland, he was able to battle 27 episodes of jungle fever, arm paralysis from a lion attack, and life-threatening battles with slave traders.
What causes me to exalt him today is twofold. 1.) To remind us that we can make a positive difference — no matter what, and 2.) To be influenced by his command-centered-attitude that considered it a privilege to serve a loving and graceful God who brought healing to others through his exile in Africa, peace to his heart, and the hope of a glorious eternity.
In Matthew 6:21, it says sacredly, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
In other words, what matters is a matter of our heart! Where is our attitude (heart) as we approach this week?
Let’s go for it, friends. Whatever it brings, we’re all on a mission!
Steven J. Bouley, Fairhaven
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