Living a life that Matters

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Ephesians 5:15-16

So I just completed my first successful week in creating margin in my life. Yes.. I know many of you are laughing at me. And I’m sure many of you are wondering how long will this last..

First let me let you know that I don’t consider margin comfort. I have never had a ‘comfortable’ life. My life has been full of drama, difficulty, hardship and stress. And I would think that there was something that I was doing wrong in my walk if I ever led a comfortable life. When I say that I’m creating margin.. I’m referring to creating space between my load and my limits. I will always have a load. I have a servant’s heart. And I actually enjoy having somewhat of a load in my life. I’m just trying new ways to manage it.

Why is margin so important in one’s spiritual life. Well.. I think to lead effective ministry you need margin. I have fouled up many lesson plans due to cramming. I have also noticed that I can’t fully worship God when my mind isn’t at peace. I also think you tend to think about yourself more when you are busy. Less margin can also lead to so/so relationships & poor health. But most of all, it affects your quiet time with God. I’ve always believed that God does most of his talking to us during quiet times. This is something that I have had to learn because most my Christian walk is based on experiences. I experience God most when I am out living for him. But the desire to experience him most comes from one on one time. It’s what brings us in that intimate relationship with him.

God warns us about walking on the edge. I’ve experienced fatigue from time to time. Fatigue will make us susceptible to temptation. Margin will ready us for spiritual warfare – physically and mentally. We need to expect the enemy to attack. We have to be ready and have room for error if we fail. We need that spiritual alertness at all times.

I am also practicing margin with my finances. I’m not a big spender.. yet I generally don”t say no to things when I need them either. I also think being in debt is also not good for effective ministry. It just creates all types of stress. God calls us to be good stewards of his money.

Be honest with you.. I know this stuff. Its nothing new. But putting this on paper (or on the computer) sets a goal for me. It will keep me praying for this. The Bible says toward the end times people will get so busy that won’t what they are doing. My schedule is nuts. Being divorced in a parenting plan, working the night shift and trying to learn ministry is difficult to do at times. But I can continue to ask for wisdom from God on how to manage and what to or not to eliminate in my life.

I may one day learn what relaxation is all about.  I just hope and pray that maybe I will somewhat stick to the plan this time. Its been a good week being in prayer with the Lord and drawing closer to him.