Wholeness: Sabbath

Why are you doing what you are doing? Have you ever just stopped and asked yourself that? So often we get so caught up in our routines we just get stuck in patterns and forget why they were formed in the first place. Sometimes it gets so bad that we have to push down our heart to drive ourselves. This "toil" as King Solomon called it, can really take its toll on our wholeness. Maybe this is part of the reason this attitude of entitlement is becoming more prominent. If it appears that all we are toiling for is leading to migraines, ulcers, and hypertension, we are not exactly setting a good example. Granted this is but another example of opposite extremism. The book of Genesis reveals to us, that we are not only made in the image of a creator; we are made to work. (Genesis 2:15) So to an extent, we should find fulfillment in our efforts. However, we are also meant to take time to rest from it. (Genesis 2:2-3) Jesus also revealed that the Sabbath is indeed for our benefit, not just a way to honor and revere God. (Mark 2:27)

Maybe if we didn't rob ourselves of this moment of rest; we would have time to not only unwind, but to stop, and ask ourselves why are we doing what we are doing? Is what we are doing truly good and Righteous? Are we really in God's will, or are we just going through the one size fits all motions? And even more important, it gives us a moment to listen to the small voice. So we can potentially alter our course if we are off track. Even if no change is needed, it can remind us of the why. Which can be quite valuable in maintaining a good attitude about it.

With all that being said, even when some of us are familiar with this truth. We still try to take a so-called moral high ground as we work ourselves to death. We always lose that fight when we try to act more righteous than God. (Mark 8:31-33) Regardless of our rationale, our flesh has limits, and we won't be able to accomplish anything if we burn ourselves out. Maybe that is what it takes for some of us to realize that we are only relying on ourselves by not taking the time to pause weekly. That our moral high ground isn't as high as we think. After all, a burned-out person is not a whole person, and an incomplete person is not a holy person.

Which you may be saying, easy for you to say. Admittedly it is. Still, you should ask yourself, where is all this pressure really originating from, others, or just self. People who truly love you don't want you to get burned out, and will do what they can to prevent it. One thing I have learned is, we don't find time; we make time. Otherwise, time will have its way with us. So maybe it's a good time to reevaluate what you overload your life with. Does it all really matter to your eternal life, or is it a mere distraction? Scripture talks about being good stewards of our resources, what resource is more precious than the time we have?

The Visual PARABLEist