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.
