I had a conversation with a brother today, and I left pretty discouraged. I left feeling like I was not doing enough, and that the way to be happier is to do more, and that I need to be like other people who were busier. I got the impression that doing more, being involved with more things is the way to redeem people; and that "prospective" Christians- I hate that term- are only reached through programs and activities. I walked away hurt and discouraged. I walked away feeling like the people I have helped, the brothers in the body I have spent time with was all for nothing. I felt that my idea of discipleship and encouragement was not up to par with a program that brings people to a building and teaches people earthly knowledge with just a sprinkle of true life in Jesus on top. I was deeply crushed and hurt. But it made me think to myself how much this happens all the time. So, it led me to write my thoughts on "The Art and Deception of Being Busy"
The Art and Deception of Being Busy
There is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which me must be saved. (Acts 4:12) There are no programs, institutions, clubs, or seminars that result in salvation. Neither for ourselves, nor for those who are lost. The art of and deception of being busy is plaguing people with the idea that being busy saves and redeems God's people. Or that doing lots of activities brings happiness to those who are depressed, or comfort to those that are hurting. Jesus did not start Weight Watchers not did he teach English. He lived and taught Discipleship, Love, and that there is a remedy to the terminal illness of sin, and that He was it. (John 14:6)
The art of and deception of being busy. Lots of classes and hours of service do not save and they do not redeem people. They in and of themselves, are not wrong, nor are they bad. However, when we get Discipleship and true service confused with being busy, the Devil has won. The Devil loves people who work all the time. The Devil loves it when we are too busy to help the family of God and those who are truly seeking and are in need. The Devil loves busy people. Busy people forget the peace, rest, and comfort found in, and ONLY in the Lord.
Do serve, and do teach. Do encourage, and do help, but don't be busy. Be redemptive and humble. Don't have hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Be transparent and be open. Be supportive, but don't be busy.
1 Timothy 1:5-6 says, " Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion." The message of the Gospel is only for good, but as you can see, there were people who wanted to be BUSY rather than redemptive. And Paul warns against it.
The Enemies of Jesus, or Pharisees, were the best at being busy. Pharisees prayed loud prayers, in the open. They gave lots of money in the presence of others to show off. They held banquets, knowing that they would be invited to many others, and they made sure they taught people how to keep God's law. The Pharisees, were very busy people. They made Jesus sick. In Matthew 23 Jesus Rebukes them and their religious hypocrisy. They were looking BUSY for the people to see, but they were nothing but busy. Empty, and fruitless. We are called to not be busy, but to be fruitful and redemptive. We are called to relationship with God and his people.
The art of and deception of being busy. Joy and peace are not found in tasks, but in the bosom of our Lord. Rest is found in the words and heart of Jesus. Matthew 11:28-29 show that Jesus offers rest, and that we only find that rest when we take on the work of his will, and not being busy. Only true devotion to the Lord and submission to his will, will we find peace and rest. *Note: I am the worst of the worst in this area, I do not pretend to be an expert. I am just sharing with what I am learning and struggling with. I am not perfect.
Don't let being busy determine your thinking. Don't be so task oriented you look over those who are truly in need. Don't be so distracted with programs and clubs that you forge to live the abundant life Jesus came to give.(John 10:10) Open your eyes, escape, and see through THE ART AND DECEPTION OF BEING BUSY.
-- Darin Thompson
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3 comments:
Here's something that helps me -
God can do anything, right? Anything. So He can work through me at any time, in any place, in any way that He sees fit. If I am busy, He can work through that. If I am sitting at home, talking to someone online, He can work through that. If I'm walking down the street, waiting in line at the post office, teaching English, changing diapers, singing, doing laundry, doing office work, playing music, playing footbag - He can work through any and all of that.
I think the important part is that we stay willing to let Him work - that we remember it's HIM working and not us.
Thank you for all of the Bible references, and for letting a difficult conversation spark wise thoughts and advice.
Love you!
Have you sent this as a brownbag? Because I think this is very very important for every AIMer to be reminded of. Thanks brother, I love you.
No one working for God can MAKE themselves more "busy"...we take things as God brings them to us. If your friend was implying that you needed to get more done in a shorter amount of time...where in the Bible does God ever tell us the Key to Life is: rush. =)
I know the verse '...be still and know I am your God...' and the one that says '...The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.'
DO NOT LET ANYONE GET YOU DOWN DARIN! You ae working for God, not men. There's nothing wrong with going slowly...God's timing is MUCH different than ours. MUCH! Just listen for His "go ahead".
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