Paul writes to an active church in Corinth that needed some apostolic help, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) The reality that we are to be faithful over successful and faithful over just being busy is something we should all consider. Being crazy busy all the time, without healthy rest, is not only unhealthy but also unnecessary. Now you may be thinking to yourself, “Yeah, but you do not know what I have going on in my life. I can’t slow down!” Okay, yet you can and should anyway. We can all feel like we are just spinning our wheels and think if I do more, maybe I will get some traction. Well, if you have done any “Jeepin” you know the more gas you give the engine when you are sinking in the mud can get you deeper in the hole. We need to stop, think, and make plans in order to get out of the mess you had a lot of fun getting in. The feeling that we are not being effective as a minister or servant in our church community, spinning our wheels, so to speak, can be typical for many. Often it is because we are stretched so thin that we cannot make heads nor tails of God’s voice, for He has become lost in the noise of life. Finding time for it can also be a difficult challenge. We all probably spend more time beating ourselves up for what we consider to be failures and mistakes than actually focusing on Jesus. That’s a sad statement, but it is true. Every moment that we spend focusing on ourselves and our personal chaos is a moment that we are not focused upon our ministry unto Jesus Christ, others, and our communities. This can become an excellent breeding ground and place of discouragement, anxiety, and depression when we are not resting in Jesus each day. So, what do we do when we are so caught up with the tyranny of the urgent that we start missing out on so much that the Lord has for us in each and every day? Stop, rest and repeat. This is a good pattern to learn. Please note it does not come naturally. If stopping and resting came naturally to us, then we would not need the commandment. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mt 11:28–30) Now, what do we do after we stop and rest? Well, don’t nap too long. Get up and keep doing good for the community of the kingdom of God as Paul tells us, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Ga 6:9–10)
Stop, Rest & Repeat
