I was once one of those people who tried to do everything. If someone asked me to help out with a project, take on an extra task, or get involved in another group, my immediate answer was always yes. I took on every opportunity that came my way, convinced that a full calendar meant I was living a purposeful life. But at the end of the day, I wasn’t just busy; I was exhausted. And I eventually realized that God doesn't want us to be that way.
In a world that constantly tells us to do more, it's easy to mistake a life of busyness for a life of purpose. And if I'm being honest, I still struggle with this. It's hard to say no to good things, even when you know they aren't the best things for you. The key to true success isn't doing more; it’s learning to zero in on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
Even the apostle Paul, a man who was incredibly successful, accomplished, and busy, understood this perfectly. Despite his packed schedule as a missionary, church planter, and prolific writer, he wrote;
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Paul wasn't a man who dabbled. He was laser-focused on God's calling to share the Good News of Jesus. He knew his mission, and he pursued it with an unwavering commitment.
This kind of focus is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. You don't have time to do everything you want to do, and the good news is, God doesn't expect you to. He's called you to do what He uniquely made and shaped you to do. There is just enough time for that.
A vital part of learning this skill is understanding the difference between what is permissible and what is beneficial.
1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
Some things in life aren’t necessarily wrong; they just aren’t necessary. You can spend your life, or you can invest your life. The difference lies in knowing what’s worth your time and energy.
Matthew 6:31-34 NLT So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (emphasis mine)
When we make our primary goal seeking to align our lives with God's will and his righteous ways, our other needs—the “everything you need”—will be taken care of. When you learn to select and prioritize what matters most in your life, you become more effective as a person.
Your life is a gift. It's not something to be taken for granted. Don't waste it on things that don't matter. We are responsible for how we use our time, talents, and energy. This isn't always easy or obvious, but it’s a journey that leads to a life filled with purpose. Figure out what God has put you here on earth to do, and then get right to it
In a world that constantly tells us to do more, it's easy to mistake a life of busyness for a life of purpose. And if I'm being honest, I still struggle with this. It's hard to say no to good things, even when you know they aren't the best things for you. The key to true success isn't doing more; it’s learning to zero in on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
Even the apostle Paul, a man who was incredibly successful, accomplished, and busy, understood this perfectly. Despite his packed schedule as a missionary, church planter, and prolific writer, he wrote;
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Paul wasn't a man who dabbled. He was laser-focused on God's calling to share the Good News of Jesus. He knew his mission, and he pursued it with an unwavering commitment.
This kind of focus is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. You don't have time to do everything you want to do, and the good news is, God doesn't expect you to. He's called you to do what He uniquely made and shaped you to do. There is just enough time for that.
A vital part of learning this skill is understanding the difference between what is permissible and what is beneficial.
1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
Some things in life aren’t necessarily wrong; they just aren’t necessary. You can spend your life, or you can invest your life. The difference lies in knowing what’s worth your time and energy.
Matthew 6:31-34 NLT So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (emphasis mine)
When we make our primary goal seeking to align our lives with God's will and his righteous ways, our other needs—the “everything you need”—will be taken care of. When you learn to select and prioritize what matters most in your life, you become more effective as a person.
Your life is a gift. It's not something to be taken for granted. Don't waste it on things that don't matter. We are responsible for how we use our time, talents, and energy. This isn't always easy or obvious, but it’s a journey that leads to a life filled with purpose. Figure out what God has put you here on earth to do, and then get right to it
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