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
This is another GREAT reminder!
ReplyDeleteWorking in a corporate environment, it is often VERY hard to clock out after 8 hours each day...not because i'm not tired, but because others are working 9,10,11 hours each day. It is very clear that people move up in the company based on performance, yes... but also time spent in the building. Spending TIME shows commitment, dedication, work ethic(and it is saying "yes" to your boss).
But that's not all it shows... If you break your week up, nearly 1/3 SHOULD be spent sleeping (based off doctor recommendations - unless you're Scott Mccloughan :) ). Another third is spent at work. And the last third is what's left for family, friends, errands, extra-curriculars, and whatever else you can cram in your week...
Keeping God first, family second, and EVERYTHING else after that, why do we give the best (and most) of our time to work??? It's a balance that i'm learning first-hand...and learning to say NO!!!
Thanks again for the reminder, Peter!!!
Great thoughts, Steve! You should start your own blog!
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