By Pastor Pete Smith
March 21, 2024

Studies to determine if multitasking is actually possible have been taking place since the 60s and they say it’s still debatable.  Apparently, there is a “processing bottleneck” that some scientists say prevents a person from simultaneously completing more than one task at a time equally well.  One doctor called it a “mythical activity.”  Be that as it may, everyone can attest to the need to perform multiple objectives concurrently.  Try telling a teacher, a nurse or a mom that there’s no such thing as multitasking!

A cognitive neuroscientist may theorize that there’s no such thing as multitasking, but something very close to that is required of every Christian.  Two things that every believer must be doing simultaneously (and definitely equally well) is building and protecting the kingdom of God.

In Matthew 21:42 Jesus said, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”  Christians then are a “whole structure, being joined together” that “grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21–22).  You are both a part of the growing building, and you play a part in growing the building.  When you obey Christ’s command to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mk. 16:15), you are involved in the Kingdom of God construction project.  Paul wrote,

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. (1 Cor. 3:10).

Taking care how you build God’s church goes hand-in-hand with protecting it.  “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).  Christians are to “resist the devil” (Eph. 4:7) and to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).  Protecting against lions, resisting the devil and putting on armor are all associated with conflict.  While building, the Christian must always keep an eye out for the enemy.

This principle is illustrated in Nehemiah 4.  The prophet was tasked with rebuilding the destroyed wall around Jerusalem.  The job was so big that his detractors openly mocked him and his own people doubted.  Nehemiah, however, diligently persevered and over time they all began to see progress.  So much progress that the hecklers became angry and plotted an attack.  After learning their enemies intended to kill some of the workers to stop the project, Nehemiah strategically placed guards near openings in the wall.  He then devised a way for the workers to simultaneously build and protect.

Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. (Neh. 4:17–18)

Are you able to identify ways that you are at work in both tasks?  Be neither a gullible builder nor a merciless protector.  The first says nice things and naively hopes for the best.  The other is more interested in winning an argument than winning a soul.  One day God’s kingdom will be complete and there will be no threat, but that is not today.  We must build God’s church with one hand and guard it with the other.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Pet. 3:14–16)

In your building efforts you may suffer rejection, but you will be blessed.  Simultaneously, be prepared to bare the sword in defense of your faith, putting God’s enemies to shame.  Ask God to help you grow in both areas.  Ask Him to help you grow into a skilled Christian Multitasker.

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