How can we be productive without burning out?
August 25-31, 2024 | Always Peachy Devotionals | Productivity Week 4
What do we do about productivity?
That’s the question, isn’t it? Yes, productivity is important. God created us to do things. He made us to accomplish things. We have a purpose for existing. But if we allow that purpose to supplant His authority in our lives, we’ll end up burned out and broken and ultimately ineffective. So where do you draw the line? And after you’ve drawn the line, how do you walk it?
Is there a way to be productive sustainably?
Culture is all about sustainability right now. We talk about Green initiatives. We talk about automations and artificial intelligence and delegation. All of those things are important tools and concepts to use to stretch an individual’s energy and focus in order to get more things done in less time.
But, as Christians, let’s not forget that we serve a God who multiplies. He’s a “loaves and fishes” kind of God who takes the little things we are able to bring Him and turns them into big deals.
Here’s the deal, though. I’m a practical person. I like straightforward explanations and common-sense steps forward. Don’t come at me with theology or doctrinal statements. Those are fine for those kinds of conversations, but we’re talking about life here. We’re talking about following Jesus through the fiery trials of everyday life and coming out the other side better than we started—not burned up.
How do we do that?
Just being honest? I’ll tell you once I figure it out.
This is something I have struggled with my entire life, but I’m doing better now. I’m less frantic, less easily discouraged, and less likely to question my value when I don’t get the things done that I plan.
So what I can tell you is what I’ve done, and if it’s something that will help you, that’s what matters. Because it’s possible to walk the line between working for God and working with Him. It’s possible to be productive and still keep the Sabbath like God commands. It’s possible to get stuff done without burning yourself out.
That’s what we’re talking about this week, sustainable productivity (or as I like to think of it, working with Jesus):
Monday - Sabbath Rest (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Tuesday - Let Him provide the increase (Luke 5:1-11)
Wednesday - You are more than your stuff (Luke 12:15)
Thursday - You can’t take it with you (Matthew 16:26)
Friday - Treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20-21)
Being able to accomplish your goals and achieve your dreams without compromising your mental, emotional, and physical health is possible. But it requires a mindset shift in our lives. We have to look to life differently. We have to set some priorities that don’t make sense from a worldly point of view.
But, in the end, you will be a more stable person. You will be able to see yourself the way Jesus sees you. And you’ll be able to manage your problems and your feelings rather than being controlled by them.
And the first place we need to start in this process is understanding who our true authority figure actually is. If you know Jesus, He’s the boss. Not your employer. Not your government. Not even your parents. Jesus first.
So that’s the memory verse that leaped out at me for this week, Colossians 3:23.
Keep your focus on Jesus no matter what task you’re tackling. Maybe it’s a big job with a lot of stress and pressure associated with it. Maybe it’s a small job that needs to get done at home. Regardless what you’re doing, do it like Jesus asked you to do it.
If we can approach any of our tasks and projects with that kind of attitude, it will revolutionize our working lives.
Granted, that doesn’t mean you stay in a job where you’re being mistreated or abused. That doesn’t mean you “just take it” from someone who is taking advantage of you. But it also doesn’t mean you do the job out of spite or you intentionally neglect your responsibilities to get back at a mean boss.
Be willing. Check your attitude. How do you feel about the task you’ve been assigned? If you took that kind of attitude with Jesus, how do you think He’d feel?
Love you guys and praying for each of you.
Hugs,
Amy
Remember! These Sunday intro emails are free, but if you want the actual daily devotions, you need to subscribe: