How Big Is Your Plate?

“I can’t schedule margin! I’m already not doing as much as my friend is.”

Many of us have this fear. We see others being productive. We see them accomplishing tasks and taking responsibilities. We are convinced we need to keep up with them. I need to do more because THEY are doing more.

Here is my advice: Stop comparing your self to others and figure out how big YOUR plate is. God has given each of us varying plate sizes - or capacity to get things done. Some people seem to juggle several major responsibilities and still have margin while others are overloaded with one or two things. Know how big YOUR plate is.

Based on your own core values, how much can you effectively handle and still have margin in your life? Once you know your limits (and we all have them), then you can prioritize what you do - making sure the most important things in life are on your plate.

Get Margin and Accomplish More

When we start talking about ‘margin,’ one thing we all worry about is if we intentionally place more margin in our schedules won’t we be less productive? But I believe the opposite is true.

Margin Empowers Productivity
When we are always pushing our lives to the limit - we live on the borderline of exhaustion. Our temper is short, sleep is scarce, we’re pissed off for no reason, and we’re usually stressed out. This state of life does not fuel productivity. It may work for a time, but not for the long haul.

Trust Jesus - Slow Down
When we learn to trust Jesus and force ourselves to slow down - we slowly become refreshed. It is during this ‘downtime’ that we often have our most significant thoughts and make life changing decisions.

The Apostle Paul was one of the most productive people in history - But somewhere around 6 years of his ministry life were lived from a prison cell. In prison he wrote 5 books of the bible (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon & 2 Timothy.) The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation while exiled alone on an island. John Bunyan wrote much of “Pilgrim's Progress” while in prison. I have also heard many modern stories of lives being radically transformed by Jesus in the context of a prison.

What is it about a prison that helps some produce their greatest contribution to society? Maybe its all the time they have to think, pray and talk with Jesus.

Don’t make Jesus throw you in the slammer to get you to slow down. Trust Jesus. Slow down. Then watch how productive He will make you.

Changed For Eternity

Jesus is transforming lives at Life Church. Every week we have first time guests in attendance at church. Every week someone has come to Life Church who has not been to church before - or at least for a very long time. Every week each of you are scattered all over Lancaster learning what it means to be “sent by Jesus.” Every day good deeds are being done and conversations are taking place that help lead people to Jesus for life.

Every day there are many many good ways we can invest the 24 hours God has given to us. But when we invest our time and our energy in the mission of Jesus, the lives of people are changed for eternity. I am excited and humbled to share in this mission with you all.

Fig Leaves or Freedom

When was the last time you royally screwed up? You knew it was wrong but you went and did it anyway. I assure you every single one of us has been there. But then what do we do? Normally our first response is to hide, cover up and hope no one finds out. That’s what Adam and Eve did when they screwed up. They took fig leaves and covered up - they felt guilt and were ashamed. Too many of us live with this same guilt and shame.

Jesus came to bring us freedom (Gal. 5:1, Jn. 8:32). We can enjoy this freedom when we boldly admit to Jesus and to trusted Christian friends (Jms 5:16) that we have screwed up. Jesus said he did not come to judge the world, but to save it (Jn. 3:17). When we bring our screw ups into the Jesus - we are not judged but rather we find grace & freedom and they begin to loose their power over us.

The longer you use the fig leaf to hide your sin, the more power it will exert over you. If you want freedom and growth - step one is to confess it - To Jesus first (He already knows anyway - so be honest) and with a trusted Christian friend or mentor who will support you and pray for you.

Come out of the dark and find life in the Light.