We have a Problem

Our annual hours have increased from 1,716 for the average worker in 1967 to 1,878 hours in the year 2000.

 

The most serious threats (of busyness) are spiritual.

 

Two Dangers to Avoid:

1. The first danger is that busyness can ruin our joy.

 

Margin is the space between our load and our limits. Wise planning means that we understand what’s possible for us as finite creatures and then we schedule for less than that.

 

2. Second danger is that busyness can rob our hearts

 

Parable of the four soils. The third soil was choked by the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things

 

The Killer P’s

People-Pleasing - we say yes to meet the expectations of other people

Performance - we tend to overestimate our importance.

Possessions - we want more stuff

Proving myself - we are seeking approval through our accomplishments

Poor Planning - too hesitant to hand over certain tasks to others

Perfectionism - can’t let up because we can’t make a mistake

 

But What About…?

Everyone of the P’s listed above could be changed from vice into virtue with just a minor tweak. So how can we tell the difference?

 

Using a simple question: Am I trying to do good or make myself look good?

 

1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

Three examples