The heart is a magnificent and vital organ. This lone muscle works tirelessly when we’re awake and continues to work even when we are fast asleep. At rest, it will beat 60-80 times per minute, and in every minute, it pumps about 5 quarts of blood through the body.
It relies on a special group of cells, the pacemaker, which releases an electrical signal to initiate a coordinated pulse in creating a heartbeat. The pacemaker fires at regular intervals, which also allows the heart to beat even when it is outside of the body.
However, there are conditions when the electrical pulses become uncoordinated and cause an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. The heart may continue to pump, but because it is not synchronized, the supply of blood to the body may be compromised. When the heart cannot beat effectively, it cannot pump efficiently. Arrhythmias can be life threatening.
Far too often, we live out our lives like a heart that is out of synch, uncoordinated with Jesus Christ, the Pacemaker. We prefer to do things our way, for as long as we can sustain it, and for as long as we can bear it. At times, we may actually be doing the seemingly right things and the right steps, but still at a pace that is most convenient for us. It is ineffective and inefficient.
(Dr. Joma skillfully playing the flute)
In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul talks about the Righteousness of God, how we are justified by faith and not by our works. We are intended to live a life of faith that is not only traveling in the same direction, but also in the same pace, the same rhythm as with God.
We’ve finally figured it out.
Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace,
not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.
Romans 3:28 (MSG)
Dear LORD, please forgive us if we have been marching through life to the beat of our own drums. We have gone through the motions and steps, but independent from Your cadence. Teach us how to be sensitive to Your beat, pulse, and leading, that we may be efficient and effective instruments for You. We desire to live lives of significance, lives that honor You and magnify Your greatness.
Beatingly yours,
Joma Excel G. Bravo, MD
