That's how God made me. {Ewwwww}.
But we cannot avoid responsibility, can we? And even if we could, should we?
I have three adorable children entrusted to me who need me to be the very best mommy I can be. I'm a part of a church plant. (Do you know how hard it is to plant a church in an aspiritual city? SO hard.) There are 163 million children orphaned; 25,000 people will die TODAY of hunger. Kids are falling through the cracks with no education; autism affects 1 in 88 children. Missionaries are leaving the field; schools need volunteers, and friends need help with childcare. And on it goes. There are legitimate needs everywhere. It's overwhelming.
Our hearts break, and we want to help.
Blink and you've said yes too many times. You've taken on too much. You're volunteering in the classroom and sponsoring children and serving in two small groups and ministering at the rescue mission and training for a half marathon and planning friend parties. You haven't rested. You haven't had alone time with your spouse. You haven't spent time with Jesus. You're frantic and stressed.
Were you too responsible? Did you, perhaps, take responsibility for something you were never meant to own?
My amazing parents came to visit in April, and we talked some about this subject, (since responsibility is a family trait). My mom mentioned that, since she and my dad retired, their to-do list has grown larger and longer than ever. Everyone thinks they have oodles of time on their hands, and there are many people who need help (they are incredible leaders and encouragers).
A few days after they left, she sent me this email:
Dear Karen,
Last night at our Bible Study we were comparing Galations 5:19-21 to Galations 5:22-26 (The deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit).
I was struck with a thought about the idea that when we say 'yes' in the flesh to a ministry (as good as it may be) the outcome in our hearts is fleshly (see the list). But when the Holy Spirit leads us to become involved in a ministry [opportunity], the outcome in our hearts is fruit bearing.
Perhaps when someone asks us to be involved, we need to stop and check with the Holy Spirit--is this what YOU want me to do? Our response to the requester could then be, "I don't believe that God wants me to do [so and so]." When we do things in the flesh, it is wood, hay and stubble and will be burned up! Why do I want to spend my time doing something that is supposed to be for the Lord only to produce fuel for a fire?
Love, Mom
Um, wow, isn't she the best?
If we want to ensure our offering does not burn out, we must consult (on the front end) with the One to whom we are most responsible! Not ony will our ministry reap His rewards, but we will NOT burn out! He will give us everything we need to accomplish His good work according to His purpose.
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galations 5:25
7 comments:
LOVE this, Karen! What a great insight! Fleshly ministry producing fleshly results--wow.
WOW! I love your post. It so confirms with me, what my husband gingerly picks on me about....I need to learn to say "no" to things that busy me and keep me from the very things My Heavenly Father created me to do! Thanks for sharing! :)
Wow. Yes, this is a wonderful truth and a timely reminder. I'm speechless, but I am thinking. Thank you. You have a wise mom.
Thank you Leigh Ann, Jeri Lynn, and Jenny Rae. I am glad to be living this journey alongside you.
I think some of todays Christian women have contributed much to the "wood, hay and stubble" and have been irresponsible (as opposed to "too responsible") in their God given responsibilities.
I know at times it is very easy to assume that if I don't do it, no one will. If I choose to [in my mind] to "act responsibly" I may be hindering the ministry from bearing much fruit.
I choose to focus on the responsibilities that I KNOW I have, and to pursue excellence in those. When some of these responsibilities end [and some will], then God will give me more, and PTL, not more than I can handle!
Just my thoughts...
Thanks for your thoughts Jen. I especially appreciate the challenge to pursue with excellence the responsibilities you already have! Good word.
Ahhhh. This is a hard one. Like you say, there is SO much need around us. So many GOOD things to be involved in... but just because a ministry is good doesn't mean that I am meant to be the one to do it. Hard!
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