I find myself week after week being presented with option after option of how I can spend my time. I'm sure you can relate. The options vary for everyone and some require more effort than others. Each option involves relationships. Usually, we are saying yes to a person more than we are a task. Which makes saying no even harder.
If your mom asks you to come over for dinner, you're not really saying yes to your car to drive you there or even to dinner (although if you're a college student you might be), you are saying yes to mom.
If your boss asks you to work late, you're not saying yes to work. You're saying yes to the person who has the potential to fire you.
It gets a little bit messier when people really need our help. Anyone who cares about other people runs into this situation probably on a monthly\weekly basis. It's difficult. Now, this reminder is not for those of you who aren't serving in some capacity. This is not your easy way out. To serve is to love God. But, serving too much and neglecting your personal relationship with God or your family, that's a problem.
I struggle with this daily. I really enjoy helping people out. That's a huge part of why I became a pastor. But, I can't lose sight of sustainability for myself and my family. God must be at the center and get first priority. Beth must be second in my thoughts and time. Everyone else after that.
Do your priorities look like that? What do you need to say NO to today?
For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? - 1 Timothy 3:5