Holy Laziness

 

Holy Laziness

“The Apostles then rendezvous with Jesus and reported all that they had done and taught.  Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.”  For there was constant coming and going.  They didn’t even have time to eat.   So, they got in the boat and went to a remote place by themselves.”

Mark 6:3-32 (the Message)

 

Busyness… It is a world-wide epidemic.  Too many things to do & not enough time to do them all.  The never-ending to-do list.  Can you relate?  I know I can!

 

Jesus is not in the business of over-working us.  A matter a fact it is not his plan for us.   HE ever intended for us to work tirelessly.   HE in no way has called you to a life of leisure.   There is nothing wrong with a little hard work.  Serving others.  Doing good.  And making a difference.   But God is also aware of our humanity. 

He wants us to go where he sends us.  To be obedient to His voice.  TO rest when He commands us.  And most importantly to seek balance because of our trust in Him, not because of our own frantic efforts. 

As Christians I think it is easy to work tirelessly doing good things.   Volunteering at church, giving our time to good causes, helping others.  But participating in the work of the kingdom is an invitation to be present with Jesus.  Not an excuse to abuse your body and spirit with constant rush.  IT is not an excuse to put others first at the expense of taking time to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus and letting Him refill you. 

Stop.  Listen.  Think…

Would you be willing to rest and break away form your hard work if Jesus asked you to?   Or would you be like I so often am and reply to His request with something like this…

But if not me, who will do it Lord?

As soon as I am finished.

 

We are all useless to the kingdom when we fail to take time to refill our own spirits.  Stop.  put on some worship music.  Open your Bible.  Pray.   Find a quiet space to just rest in His presence.  Lay out all your to-do lists Before Him today.  Remember that He is looking out for your needs.  Physical.  Emotional.  Spiritual.  Even we seem to forget them. 

Take time to praise Him for caring for you.  Ask Him today for wisdom to discern between hard work and needless hustle.   God want to help you find a balance between work and rest.  

Who do you know in your life that needs a reminder of this message today?  Is there someone in your life that is struggling?  Forgetting to eat and take time alone at the feet of Jesus to recharge?  Encourage that someone in your path who seems overworked that rest is vital.  Maybe even offer them a space to receive that stillness.  

Schedule yourself for some Holy Laziness!