|
.
|
Donkey Business -
Part 2
"Things which matter most, must never
be at the mercy of things which matter least."
These words
from the German author Goethe, sketch a dilemma which we all
face. This dilemma was described by Charles Hummel in his
defining work, "The Tyranny of the Urgent" which
described how the urgent activities of everyday work crowd
out the most important. Last week, we spoke about being free
- available to be used by God for His purposes for us -
important, but from our point of view, if we are really
honest, not really very urgent.
The concept
of "Donkey Business" begins with the Bible story
of Jesus entering Jerusalem. He said, "Go into the
village over there and you will see a donkey tied up, with
its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them here. If
anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'the Lord needs
them,' and he will immediately send them" (Matthew
21:2, 3).
The donkey
was "tied up," bound to a stake, unable to move,
until called by its owner to fulfill its purpose. It needed
to be set free to really become what it was meant to be.
What causes
us to be 'tied up' so that we are not available for God's
work? Here are some ropes which tie us down.
-
"Wage slaves"
- being unable to move jobs because of financial needs.
Plan to become 'debt-free', scale your lifestyle down.
Remember, God is the source of provision for your everyday
needs, if you seek His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
-
"Workaholics"
- an addiction to working long hours in the mistake that
we think the job demands it. According to an article in
the German "Psychology Today" workaholics feel
inferior, and unfulfilled despite their activity. They
work long to feel secure, as a substitute for intimacy and
a need for approval. Remember, Jesus' love and acceptance
is independent of our results, "because you are
precious in my eyes, and honored and I love you, I give
you …" Isaiah 43:4.
-
"Weariness"
- through the burden of many tasks which people pile up on
those who cannot say 'no.' Doing is no substitute for
being. Choosing the right things to do is an art. Jesus
invites us to join Him in His work if we are weary and
burdened by 'becoming my partner in work, learn from me,
for I have a servant's heart and will give you a
fulfilling assignment; working for me is easy and the
responsibility is light." Matthew 11:29,30.
-
"Worrying"
- if the business can survive without you? Most business
people have an inflated idea of their importance to the
business. You can take free time - but this has to be
planned. "Come aside, and I will show you what is to
pass …" Revelation 4;1.
Can you free
yourself up to become available for God's work? Remember
what the late Ted DeMoss used to say "The main thing is
to keep the main thing the main thing." Don't get tied
down!
Peter Briscoe
Peter J.
Briscoe, currently serving as European Regional Director for
CBMC International and Europartners. He lives in Leiden, The
Netherlands.
|
