Going to college in Santa Barbara was the ultimate experience! For four years I lived life on the coast with the all the amenities and distractions that come with beach living. I remember failing one of my first exams during my freshman year after attempting to study at the beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Even studying in the library was a challenge, as almost every window in the library had an ocean view.

College was full of distractions! There were plenty of things that could have easily divided my heart and my interests. Each day I was faced with choices and challenges; however, as I faced those challenges, I remembered the promise I made to God, which was to live for him no matter what.

In 2 Kings we see a picture of divided loyalty. 2 Kings 17:38 says, “they worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods.” In other words, the Israelites had a divided heart. Jesus taught about this during his Sermon on the Mount when he said, “no one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24).

While the distractions in college were many, I find that there are so many more things to capture my affections in this technological age. I guess life has always had its distractions; however, I don’t want that to be an excuse. God desires that our heart would be unwavering in our commitment to him. May that be true of me! May that be true of us!

“give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” — Psalm 86:11, NIV