In a former post I stressed the effects that self-righteous busyness can have on one’s life. As I have spent time in reflection on the issue and discovered more areas of my heart that desire to project an image of accomplishment, I felt the need to share with you practical ways we can fight against the sin of busyness.
Realize Your Busyness
The most important part of overcoming any sin is first to realize the sin. How are we to fight against something we don’t see? As long as we remain blind to an issue we will never raise arm against it. When sin, any sin, remains hidden it becomes like cancer in that it silently eats away at your health and kills you from within. To continue to be healthy we must be aware of what might be killing us. Let me note two things here. First, the only way that anyone will recognize sin is if the Spirit reveals it to him or her, and second, those who struggle with a self-righteous busyness will be the less likely to notice their sin because rarely do they slow down to contemplate the areas of weakness present in their life. This brings me to another practical.
Find Solitude
If we desire to see the Spirit reveal the sins we are blind to, should we not attempt to place ourselves in an environment where He is apt to move? An environment that is free from distractions, removed from temptation to occupy lulling time, and fitting to harbor contemplation and reflection. This reality hit home with me when I heard pastor Mark Driscoll teach on the importance of solitude. I rarely find time to separate myself from the demands of my world. Most of the time I am always chasing some useless form of busyness. How can I ever expect to hear from the Spirit if I am always entangled in the unavailing busyness of my life? In order to encounter the sinful areas of your life, you must spend time looking.
The Not-So-Busy Busy
I have also noticed that much of my day is often consumed with many mindless tasks. These tasks aren’t necessarily sinful or evil, but they serve the purpose of filling empty or lulling time. Most of us have an inherent feeling that we always need to be doing something or always have to be entertained, which leads us to fill our slow moments with busyness that is not so busy. I have found it useful to capitalize on these not-so-busy busy times by either reducing the period of time spent in them or by changing the way I engage in the certain activity. Here is a list of activities I have either reduced or changed my involvement with:
- Social Networking: Reduce
Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and email consume huge chunks of my day. I find that these are the outlets used to medicate the disease of boredom that runs rampant in our generation.
- Work-out: Change
Working out is a great opportunity to reflect and pray over the day. Take out the tunes and connect with the Father.
- In-between Time: Change
The time we spend in between meetings, or classes is a great setting to read a book or journal. I often spend this time sending ridiculous text messages, or calling people I don’t really need to talk too.
- Sleep Habits: Reduce
This is a sacrifice I far to often don’t make. Wake up earlier to meet with our Savior before you get lost in the bustle of the busy day.
- Shower Time: Change
Most of us spend 5 to 10 minutes in the shower at least once a day. Instead of using this time to exercise our vocals, we could use it to engage Jesus. The shower is a magnificent place to battle in prayer.
Take it or Leave it
I hope that these practical applications will help you fight to find accomplishment in Christ and God’s acceptance of you based on the cross. Take what works for you and leave what doesn’t. My encouragement to you is to find what helps you battle, and fight well!
