This is the third in a series that has focused on how we as Christians sometimes hinder others inside and outside the faith.  The first part talked about how Christians are sometimes no fun to be around because we grumble so often.  The second part was about how Christians sometimes try too hard to fit into a culture that is crying out for something different and more meaningful.

Today, I want to talk briefly about how we as Christians hinder others by misunderstanding busyness for holiness.  Now please keep in mind that I am not just pointing the finger outward during this series–these are all things that I struggle with myself!  The topic of busyness is one I am really focusing on currently.  Thankfully, Bill Hybels has been studying this topic also and just released a book titled, “Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul”.  I am going–very slowly–through this book now.  I think he hit the nail on the head with this quote:

“I’m overscheduled, I don’t have time, I’m too busy,”   I hear it from the guy next to me on the airplane and from the people I talk to at church.  I hear it from friends, neighbors, and coworkers.  Sometimes I hear it from my own lips.  We say these words so often that we become immune to how repetitive we sound.  Our schedules are packed so tight, we couldn’t slip a razor blade between appointments.  We have no wiggle room, no margin, not a moment to spare–let alone an hour, a day, a week.”   We almost brag about it don’t we?  It makes us feel a little important: I am much too busy to do such and such.  No time.  More pressing commitments.  It feeds something unhealthy in us–and the cost is severe.” (Hybels p.29)

The cost he is talking about is we start sacrificing our most important relationships for less important relationships.  We start skipping out on our time with Jesus.  Does this sound familiar?  It does to me!

My first action step to combatting busyness is to be home at least 4 nights a week with my family.  As a middle school principal, there are nighttime activities I could be at probably 4-6 nights a week depending on the week.  I also enjoy church opportunities throughout the week.  I could easily find somewhere good and useful to be 7 nights a week–and that isn’t an exaggeration!!

But, what does God call me to first?  To love and be in a relationship with Him.  What about secondly?  I am called to love and be there for my family.  Maybe some can feel like they can do that by spending one night a week with their families, but I know that I can’t do that.

What about you?  Is there a change in your crazy schedule that God is calling you to make?  Life is fleeting and we only get one shot at it, so being wise with our time is something worth aiming for.

More to come…

Jeremy