Running On Empty
Gertrude is a 2008 minivan with over 199,000 miles. She has a BIG appetite. The fuel gauge frequently drops towards “E” (along with my stomach). Gas is expensive! This van is a metaphor for my life. I also find my personal tank empty – more often than I like to admit. Like my van, I am often racing around from place to place, filling my proverbial trunk (and seats and floorboards) with tasks and appointments, therefore using up all my time and energy. This then leaves me unable to do anything really well or with the right attitude.
We often think of being a good steward only in terms of our money. But God is calling us to be good stewards with ALL the gifts He has given us. Our time and energy are also gifts to steward well.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
See the word steward? I only recently noticed it myself! It’s amazing how you can read a verse SO many times and miss a vital part of its message. In a recent quiet time with God, He gently helped me to notice it. The words in that verse that I used to focus on were “use” and “serve” – “steward” did not seem to be an important part. But it’s vital to the instruction. Stewardship is essentially effective management. So while God is directly calling us to serve and use our gifts, He is also calling us to use those gifts with the wisdom of a good manager. We need to know our gifts (What do we have to give?) as well as our limits (How much can I give well?).
I find it easier to know the “What” than the “How much”. When I’m overextended, on an empty, or near empty tank, I get snarky and am often unable to serve well. Additionally, my relationships and even my health can be negatively impacted by my poor management.
God loves us as much as He loves others; He does not want us to overextend ourselves. Jesus both rested (Matthew 8:24) and prayed (Mark 1:35); why do we think we need neither? Healthy boundaries are necessary for effective service to the Kingdom. Our ability to ask God for wisdom to grow in this area is crucial for serving effectively. Since I find it difficult to create and maintain these guardrails, I thoughtfully pray about creating healthy boundaries and regularly ask for prayer from fellow believers. I’ve also read a few books on the topic by dynamic Christian authors. These supports help me to practice using my newfound boundaries daily! Consequently, I feel more full and ready to serve God according to His instruction.
Once we realize the gifts we can give AND how much of them we can give well, we are doing as God commanded. Then we will no longer be running on empty. We are able to grow in wisdom, develop our relationship with God, as well as share the love of Christ with others. That’s a win, win, win!
