Have you ever noticed there are more things that want your time than there is time for? As a husband, dad, pastor, and friend, most of the things that want my attention are really good things, even important things. Then there are things that I want to do. I would love to lead a high school guys small group, I would love to create a high school discipleship intensive, I would love to do crossfit, I would love to be in a life group that I am not leading. All of these are really good things. All of them would make me more effective at what I do… Or so it would seem.
What if I said yes to all of those things? I would not have enough time for my wife, kids, having a sabbath day, or sleep enough at night. What if doing all of these good things could kill the great things I could do? I have a tendency to try to live like a super hero, like I don’t need sleep, a day off. Or I act like my marriage doesn’t need attention. Or I act like I don’t need to work out. Here is what I have learned. I am very human. I need rest, I need to exercise, I need to eat right, I need to go on dates with my wife, I need time with Jesus everyday.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Jesus did not live like he was super human, even though he was. Jesus made time for the most important things. He often walked by people who needed healed. He chose not to leave Israel, though his heart was for the whole world. We see him sleep, take time to eat, get away from the crowds, and pray. He chose only few close friends. You would think for the Messiah who has come to save the world and only take 3 1/2 years to show the world who He is, he would not have time for things like getting alone, only choosing 12 men to pour His heart in, allow Judas to be one of the 12.
Jesus set the example for us to not live like we are super human. The Sabbath (one day off per week) was not a suggestion but a command. What good things do you need to say no so you can say yes to great things? What values do you need to make a priority and let other balls drop? Do it today!
- Write a list of your values.
- Number them in order of their importance.
- Write down how much time you want to give to them.
- Schedule time this week to make it happen.
Say no to some good things so you can say Yes to great things!
Live a Better Story
Brandon Sereg
