December 10, 2014
Taming the Evil Yes Monster
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.(Luke 10:38-39, NIV)
Friend To Friend
Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew? Have you ever said, “Sure, I’ll be glad to do that!” when you should have said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t commit to that right now”? Has an over-loaded schedule ever added stress to you, your family, or your relationships? I would think you’ve answered, “yes” to each of the previous questions. I know I did.
I constantly try to make positive life adjustments. Two areas I evaluate regularly are my calendar and commitments. Trust me, I’m not the boundary queen. I won’t even pretend to have all the answers about this topic, because I don’t. I bow to the evil “yes monster” more than I care to admit. I’m constantly struggling to find a healthy balance between faith, family, friends, fashion, and ministry. (Okay, fashion doesn’t really belong on that list, though it’s terribly fun. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention!)
Jesus had some friends named Mary and Martha. Martha was a busy girl who, at times, allowed her to-do list to keep her from worship. Mary just wanted to be with Jesus.
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42, NIV)
As we face the holiday season and a new year, let’s choose what’s better! It’s so important that we establish healthy boundaries to keep us from being too busy to sit at the Lord’s feet. I’ve been forced to grow in the area of setting boundaries in order to bless and preserve my faith, family, friendships and ministry.
In an article called Setting Boundaries, Dr. Richard J. Krejcir wrote, “A boundary is a fence to ward of potential problems and to protect those in its guardianship.”
What does that look like in real life?
How can we possibly spend time with the Lord, keep our homes clean, run errands, go to meetings, serve on committees, change diapers, shower, get our Bible study assignment finished, find missing teddy bears, take Johnny to little league, run Sally to dance practice, and have a hot, healthy dinner on the table by six o’clock? I’m sure it will look different for each of us, but there’s one basic parameter that applies across the board, whether you are married, divorced, single, or widowed, or with or without children: make time for God.
Jesus said that the highest call on your life is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Keep the main thing the main thing! Nothing should replace your personal time with God. Set aside time each day for Bible study, prayer, and worship. Jesus tells us that we must remain in Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Once you’ve established boundaries that prioritize and protect your time with Jesus, you can freely say YES to the opportunities that are in line with your passions and interests. And confidently say NO to the yes monster that tries to dilute your focus and rob you of God’s best.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times when I clutter my life with busyness and fail to put You first. Help me to discern what is best for my schedule according to Your perfect will, and equip me with the wisdom and courage to make any changes that are needed. I love You and long to know you more with all my heart, mind, and soul.
In Jesus’s name, amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Are you saying yes to too many things? Consider if any of your activities could be eliminated. Then swing by my blogso we can chat about. Leave a comment letting me know what God is teaching you about this subject – or simply say, “I’m saying NO to the YES monster!”
More From The Girlfriends
Friend, don’t be discouraged if your calendar seems off-the-charts crazy. I know what that’s like. This devotion wasn’t written to condemn, only to challenge. Let’s choose the best together and clear a space everyday to sit and worship at the feet of Jesus. Uncluttered is a CD filled with songs that sweep you away from excess 'life-noise', this music focuses your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. As you ponder today’s message, CLICK HERE to watch the Uncluttered music video.
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