By Lillian Penner
Also available as a podcast at:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/kindle/2008/09/09/are-you-busy-or-fruitful-3/
** Everyone is entitled to set boundaries. What are some ways you can implement boundaries into your life? What are some things in your life right now that you should be saying ‘no’ to? http://thelife.com/study/wisetimemanage.html?section=time_management
When I ask my friends “How are you doing,” often they say, “I am so busy,” as if it’s something to be proud of. It often appears that those who feel “very busy ” think of themselves as productive. God’s Word never tells us to be busy, overworked, or stressed. However, it does tell us to be fruitful.
Being busy is defined as engaged in action or full of activity. Being fruitful is defined as yielding or producing fruit, bringing results. There is a difference. Being busy with what we think we need to do or want to do, doesn’t always make us feel good about ourselves.
Video: Is Jesus merely a “guest” in your life?: Be filled with the Holy Spirit
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Jesus said in John 15:16, “I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” God wants us to enjoy life but He also chose us to go and bear lasting fruit. Many of us struggle with our self-worth. Could it be that obeying God’s Word and bearing fruit, not just being busy, could actually affect our self worth?
Our lives are full of many responsibilities, however sometimes we must examine our motives and ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this? “ Am I doing it for selfish motives or am I doing it out of obedience to God?”
The first thing we need to do to take control over our time and energy is to learn to use our time wisely. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to ask Him to show us the changes we need to make for balance in our lives. Each day ask God how He would like you to use your time. When we accomplish His purpose for which He created us, we will be fruitful, resulting in satisfaction.
David tells us in the Psalms blessed is the man who delights in God’s Word, meditating on it day and night, and then he will be fruitful and prosperous.
Satan steals our joy if we choose to be too busy instead of fruitful. One of Satan’s priorities is to distract us with busyness so we won’t spend time with God and not be effective. We will be tired, overworked, and stressed. When we’re obedient, fulfilling His purpose, we will be satisfied and fulfilled.
We are responsible for the use of our time and for using it wisely, it is not redeemable. Our good intentions without obedience don’t bring satisfaction.
Questions: Do I spend my time in ways that fulfill God’s purpose? Would God want me to make some adjustments? What specific changes would God want me to make?
About this Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/lillian-penner/
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