Fragmentation
- elizabethswinningw
- Jun 20, 2017
- 4 min read
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~You shall have no other gods before me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Exodus 20:3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fragmentation is defined as the splitting of a whole into many pieces, or fragments. In the physical realm, fragmentation is best illustrated by a vase or jar that has fallen to the ground and broken into many pieces. Consequently, it is no longer whole and complete as a unit—no longer capable of performing the purpose for which it was intended. In the spiritual realm, fragmentation is just as destructive, but much more difficult to recognize. Instead of having broken shards lying on the ground in disarray, a spiritually fragmented person is pulled apart on the inside by all the things that compete for his or her attention. As a result, a fragmented person is a person who continually over commits him- or herself because all the pieces contend with one another and hinder singleness of purpose.
Spiritual fragmentation manifests itself in one of two ways: (1) One part rules, at the expense of the other fragments; or (2) all parts fail. In either case, there is not a whole, integrated self; there is no single-minded focus on serving God with heart, mind, soul, and body. Whether there is one idol or many, the result is the same: we have forsaken our relationship with God in favor of the other things that vie for our time, attention, and energy.
Fragmentation is the archenemy of the peace and joy Jesus came to give us. When we are spiritually divided, trying to serve more than one master consumes our energy and vitality; it saps our strength and robs us of our joy. All too soon, we discover that we are performing but not enjoying. Yet, even though the situation may feel hopeless, we are never without hope! As we learn to practice the spiritual discipline of self-care, we begin to hear God inviting us to give up fragmentation and inner division in favor of a life of wholeness and integrity. Little by little, we learn to exercise temperance. We evaluate our priorities, embrace delayed gratification, and make sacrifices when necessary. No matter how many fragments we discover or how many conflicting demands vie for our time and attention, God can bring harmony and balance to our lives. Nothing is impossible with God!
However, in order for health and wholeness to occur, we must be willing to give up the things that keep us harried and fragmented—those things that keep us from living the life of joy and peace that God longs to give us. Today is the day to accept the precious gift of wholeness God has in store for those who live a life pleasing to Him; the day to evaluate our priorities, embrace delayed gratification, and make sacrifices when necessary so that we can keep our inner eyes focused on Jesus and abide in His joy and peace.
The need that must be satisfied
if there is going to be a hope of wholeness,
is the unshaken need for an unshakable God.
~~Maya Angelou
A Question to Ponder: “Fragmentation is the arch enemy of the peace and joy Jesus came to give us.” Sooner or later we must all ask ourselves this question: “Am I living a life characterized by joy and peace, or is there a certain fragment of my being that dominates my heart and mind, robbing me of peace and joy? Or, do the various fragments compete with one another, leaving me at odds with myself and with God?” Are you bold enough to ask yourself those questions today—and then give yourself honest answers?
A Prayer to Offer: Gracious God, it is your desire that I be whole and complete, lacking no good things. But the world I live in offers so many options and all too often I am pulled in different directions by voices—from within and from without—that compete with one another. Help me to keep my mind focused on you and the priorities you have set for me rather than living a fragmented life that robs me of the peace and joy Jesus purchased for me with his very life. Help me to sort out my priorities and to be willing to let go of those things that keep me from being the person you created me to be. I know that you are making all things new in Christ Jesus, my Lord. Take the broken, fragmented pieces of my being and fashion them into part of your new creation. May all I say and do prove that you are the Lord of my life and that I live and move and have my being in you. Amen.
An Action Step to Take: Compile a list of the various fragments that vie for your attention. Then be willing to ask some hard questions: Is there one part that rules to the detriment of the others? Do all parts fail because you are lacking inner harmony and balance? What do you need to eliminate so that you can live the life of joy and peace God desires for those he loves? Are you willing to make that sacrifice? Talk to God about these things in prayer. Please use the pages of your spiritual journal to record this important conversation.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
Comments