I move fast. Usually too fast. Much like my computer at work, there are multiple tabs open in my brain at once, and I frantically bounce back and forth between them. I start thinking about where I’m going next before I even finish with where I am now. In my frantic and frenzied state, I miss out on opportunities to minister to people. To find out what I can do to ease their load. To offer to pray for them. Or to just listen.
Jesus was busy, but he wasn’t frantic and frenzied.
What we read about in the gospels is just a snippet of Jesus’ life. He had many responsibilities and many people under his care. He had many places to go, many things to teach, and a very short time to do it all. (Jesus’ entire ministry occurred in a three-year period.) All the while, he worked as a carpenter to support himself. He went to the Synagogue and celebrated the Jewish festivals. He attended dinner parties, weddings, and funerals. He prayed often. He spent time alone with the Father. He even napped in the middle of a treacherous storm. Yet we never once read about him hurrying. Nowhere does it say, “Jesus rushed.” He was on mission, and he knew God had orchestrated every moment so not one would be wasted.
If my goal is to be more like Jesus, I need to be more mindful of ministry moments and less frantic and frenzied. So, what does this look like practically?
Surrender every moment to the Lord.
Instead of hitting the ground running, I need to start each day with the Bible open and my head bowed. I need to ask God to manage my time and guide my steps. I need to surrender my to-do list and my schedule to him so he can help me prioritize my day. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Slow down and listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
There is a lot of noise in my brain. (It never shuts off. Ask my husband.) If I’m not careful, the chaos and cacophony will drown out the silent voice of my Heavenly Helper. I must never be too busy to find moments throughout my day to stop and listen. (Isaiah 30:21)
Respond immediately.
I need to slow down and stop rushing past the God-given moments to have impact and influence. When someone needs an encouraging word or a reassuring prayer, I must be ready to respond. Considering how many minutes I waste scrolling through social media, how can I justify neglecting a couple of minutes of ministry?
Jesus never let his mission interfere with his ministry because ministry was his mission. People matter to Jesus, and they must matter to me. The sacred souls God puts in my sphere must always take precedence over my hurried schedule and my overloaded to-do list.
