Overload
A consistent theme in my conversations with people in our church is the incredible busyness of life. For many of us the start of school, soccer season and other activities that traditionally begin this time of year only increase this sense of overload.
A while back I came across the following excerpt from Philip Ryken on the Reformation21 site. It’s no magic pill but I think he has some helpful thoughts.
So how should we deal with the inescapable overload of life in the twenty-first century? I may not be the most qualified person to speak on this subject but allow me to make three simple suggestions.
First, whatever else you do, make time for communion with Christ. Remember what Jesus said to Martha, that only “one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:42)- that is, to be with Jesus, listening to what he says and talking with him about what we need. It is only when we allow God to minister to us through Bible study and prayer that the rest of life makes any sense at all.
Second, embrace the limitation of your finitude. Rather than feeling anxious and distressed about everything you’re not getting done, or always complaining that you need more time, take satisfaction in the many daily reminders that you are not God. You are not all-powerful, all-present, and all knowing. Only God is. So when the overload confronts you with your limitations, be reminded that you are only a creature who needs to rest in your Savior’s care (see Matthew 6:25-34, 11:28-30).
Third, choose wisely. The hardest choices in life are not the choices between the good things and the bad things. When it comes to discriminating the good from the bad, most Christians find it relatively easy to tell the difference. No, the hard choices are the ones between the good things and the best things. To make these decisions we need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who works through Scripture, through circumstances, through counsel, and through our conscience to help us “discern what is best” (Phil. 1:10; NIV).
In order to carry out God’s calling for your life, you will have to learn to say “no.” Many good things in life- many wholesome entertainments, many useful ministry opportunities, and many God-given pleasures- get in the way of God’s calling and therefore must be declined. Late last fall, I took a short trip to a beautiful golf resort in Florida. I taught, but to my disappoointment, did not golf. Not that there is anything wrong with a round of golf. In fact, from what I saw in the brochure, its such a beautiful course that it almost seemed wrong not to play it. It’s just that if I had stayed to do that, I would have gotten back too late on Saturday night to be a good husband to my wife, a good father to my children, or a good pastor to this congregation.
What choices will you make this week and in the weeks to come? Will you make the time to be with Christ? Will you embrace the limitations of your finitude, resting in the infinite grace of your God? And will you have the wisdom to make the right choices when you have to say “yes” to some good things and “No” to others?