I have one of those old alarm clocks. It’s bright red with a yellow face, sits precariously on three knobby legs, and rings obnoxiously when the alarm is set.
That is, when I wind it up.
When I first received it, I wound it every day, pretty faithfully. I enjoyed the consistent metal metronome as the thin hand ticked off the seconds. I even appreciated the abrupt clamor of the alarm, because it forced me to move forward and face the day.
Of course, toward the end of each day, the clocked ceased to measure time effectively. As it reached the end of its cycle, the seconds grew longer and less regular, until the time reflected no longer resembled the actual time. And it wasn’t the clock’s fault - that’s the way it was meant to work. Most days, I’d remember to wind it up again while it was still faithfully ticking. Other days, I’d have to reset the clock hands on the actual time before I wound it up, because I’d waited too long.
I haven’t wound the clock in more than a year. Now it sits on my shelf - a pretty trinket with no function or form. I’m not surprised that I don’t hear its persistent ticking. In fact, I’d be shocked and terrified if it suddenly began ringing in full force one early morning.
I don’t expect my clock to work when it hasn’t been set, but somehow I expect my heart to honor God even when I haven’t set it do so.
Malachi 2 says “”And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me.” (Emphasis mine.)
Too often, my life is a pretty trinket on a shelf. To my frustration and confusion, my heart doesn’t reflect the correct things. There are no alarms calling me to action or pushing me forward, or they come much too late.
I’m not electric. I can’t plug into the wall and expect my life to automatically keep up. I require upkeep. If I don’t consciously set my heart regularly, I wind down and lose my effectiveness. And a tired clock is worse than a dead clock, because it gives the wrong information while appearing trustworthy.
I’m designed with a purpose. My face and hands should reflect the Truth, but that only happens if I actively and regularly set my heart to honor God.