I press in toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14
Freedom and discipline may seem like opposite ends of the spectrum. But recently I’ve discovered, through experience, how related those two terms truly are. For those of you who follow my blog regularly you’ve noticed a common theme in my Weekend Worship—stress due to saying yes to often.
There are many reasons I tend to automatically say yes instead of no.
Some of them may strike a nerve with you as well.
- I don’t want to disappoint someone.
- It feels good to be needed.
- I don’t want to be left out.
- I enjoy that particular task.
- I feel God has called me to do this.
Some are good reasons to say yes, some aren’t. I put the reasons in this order on purpose—not because that’s a good order, but because it’s an honest one. All too often I put God’s calling last…not first. And I’ve found that doing things for the wrong reason enslaves my time and doesn’t leave me free to fulfill the call God has put on my life.
Over-indulgence is an exercise that leads to slavery—NEVER a demonstration of freedom.
So today I’m continuing my resolve to pray first, wait on God and PRESS ON to His goal for me—no matter the consequences.
Well said Edie. As you know, always saying yes can result in being overwhelmed. But waiting for God's direction will ensure you'll have the strength and energy to accomplish the task. And you can rest in the assurance that you will always be needed.
ReplyDeleteGood advice. As you know, Edie, I struggle with this, too. Just think how much better we feel and how much more pleasing it is to the Father when we're faithful to do this!
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