Hokey Pokey Part 1: Shake It All About

Epic

Not Messing Around

The longer I write this blog, the more I realize that I can't always be funny and entertaining.* Sometimes, I need to address the difficult issues of life, namely the Hokey Pokey. While the origins of this song/dance are shrouded in mystery and magic, hence the similarity to the phrase Hocus Pocus, the theological implications are profound. This post is the first in a series designed to "shake it all about."

Compartmentalization
In the beginning, this song and dance mocks our lack of commitment to the important things of this life. We are torn by our many obligations and never give ourselves fully to anything. Days are consumed with work where we often give our best, if not the most, time and energy. It is here we put our head and our right hand in. The evenings and weekends we give to ourselves and family. We give them our heart.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Do you ever notice that most calendars begin on Sunday? This is changing. Think about how we view the week. Where does your week start? Most people will say Monday. While this may seem like an insignificant fact, it represents a radical cultural shift. Years ago, people would begin their week focusing on spiritual truth. It set the tone for their work, family and life. Sunday did not symbolize the end of fun and the beginning of anxiety; Sunday was the end of hollow living and the beginning of life and inspiration. Now it is where we put in our left hand and our left foot. We give God what is left. I give God what is left. Ouch.

Next: Hokey Pokey Part 2: Turn Yourself Around

*Many people are still waiting for me to start being funny and entertaining.