Motivations

I'm living life on the fly this week with a speaking event on Friday and one of my bestest college friends coming to visit. How about you? What are you up to this week as Christmas approaches?

I wanted to share with you this interesting email that I received from Debbie Berho, one of my bloggie friends who is currently serving in Ecuador. We've been chatting back and forth a little about service and why so many Americans (including me!) feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by our schedules.

Here's what Debbie had to say:

I had an interesting conversation last night with an Ecuadorian pastor who is outside of the immediate circle of people we've been working with while here in Ecuador. I have heard him preach a few times and I think he is a mature, biblically sound, honest man. I asked him about my observation of all the over-committed people here, from the leaders on down through the seminary students (who pretty much have no say in their over-committed schedules).

He said that he believes it is part of a culture of a desire to be important- the more over-booked you are, the more important you feel. He considers it a flaw in the leaders, a sign of immaturity or pride.

I think I agree with him. I know that sometimes when I have over-committed, it is due to paying attention to that little voice in my head that wants to be noticed, to moved into leadership, to stand in front and have the mic, etc. I also think most of the NT indicates specific, focused ministries according to one's gift and calling, and the case of some disciples turning down "opportunities to serve" in order to better carry out their calls.

I'm not as sure about Jesus' spending himself. He certainly did focus on training the disciples and pull away in prayer often, to renew himself. But he was nearly always available in diverse ministries - teaching, healing, feeding, etc., and in the end, his obedience to the Father's plan cost him everything. He didn't say "Excuse me, this is exhausting me and I just need to take care of myself." In fact, in Spanish Bibles, when Peter rebukes him for telling them of Calvary, Peter says "Have compassion on yourself, Lord" instead of "Never, Lord!" (I hate that when the Spanish is different from the English . . .sends me into long fits of study :) ). I guess one could say that Jesus was absolutely clear about His purpose, and he didn't avoid it (but the hard part is that he did so much else along the way).

I've been doing some heart examination just like Debbie. Although I don't think pride is always my motivation for over-busyness, that's definitely an element. What are you thinking as we slide into this very busy season? How are you battling over-commitment?