Have you ever noticed the difference between brands of dish soap? I’ve discovered that the name brands are more effective than the generic ones I’ve tried.
As there are only two of us in our home we generally wash our dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher. The generic brands are less expensive so we decided to try one. I wasn’t impressed with the results so tried another.
In both cases, I had to use more than double the amount of our previous brand in order to produce suds and to get the dishes clean. My conclusion is that a diluted product is false economy.
The same can be said for my life. I have the choice to concentrate my efforts or to dilute them by adding unnecessary ingredients. It’s not hard to figure out which option is the most effective in achieving my goals and dreams. The more I add to my day, the less chance I have of accomplishing what is most important.
The trouble can come in deciding which elements strengthen my life and which ones will only water it down. That is when I turn to God. He is always available to direct me. When I follow his advice my life will be strong and effective, rather than mixed with worthless things that dilute it.
Once like sterling silver; now mixed with worthless alloy! Once so pure, but now diluted like watered-down wine! (Isaiah 1:22 TLB)
Many plans are in the human heart, but the advice of the Lord will endure. (Proverbs 19:21 GWT)
Tandy, I’m not a new reader of your blog, but lately you seem to be talking directly to me. I’m glad there is someone else who has the same worries. How does one “dilute” their life, when there is so much to do, and you are the only one to do it?
I know the Lord’s presence, but He just watches me blunder along!
Sandy, I’m happy to hear that my blogs are resounding with you. For me, anything I’m doing that is taking me away from what I should be doing is watering down my life. I know there are things that should be done but I fill the time with something else until there’s nothing left. Not a good habit!