Have you ever felt like you were running a race but standing in place? Maybe you have felt as if you were popping all over the place like bacon in a hot skillet. Let’s have a chat about that.
Let’s be honest. We are not capable of doing everything or being everything to everyone. It is possible to have peace and no guilt (I’m still working on this one…) about how we spend our time. Before we delve into the subject of the use of our time, remember that constant, frantic behavior is not required to earn God’s favor.
A couple of myths are worth repeating . Myth 1: You can always fit more into your schedule. Fact: Time comes to us in a limited quantity. We also need to be aware of, not ignore, our God-given needs and rhythms when we choose what fits into our schedules.
Myth 2: Busyness is next to godliness. Fact: Nope. Jesus didn’t have a harried life. He rested. He found time to preach and to heal, but he also made time to meditate, spend time with others like his disciples, pray, and spend time alone.
Ok, what can we do? We are not “bionic Christians.” Let’s start with evaluating the use of time. Set some goals for building our relationship with God. Next, plan for the time you need for family. Then plan for everything else. Set priorities.
Eliminate things that are less important. Start to say no to activities that don’t fit your plan and obligations. Try to own less. Try to do less of the frivolous activities.
Enrich your family times. Think about your purpose and your family’s purpose. Build your life around that and your relationship with God. Ask yourself if your family pays a price for commitments and priorities you have. Rework these to protect and respect the family God gave you.
We have nothing to prove to anybody but God. Read 1 John 5:21 and 2 Peter 3: 10-11 as a reminder of this. What motivates you, God or man? Once you answer that, you are well on your way to make some changes.
It is possible to have peace, not guilt, about how we use our time.