In Luke 9:57-62 Jesus shares the cost of following him. There are 3 men with three distinct excuses. He concludes the teaching by saying “No one who puts his hands to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” When God reveals to you or me an opportunity to serve what is our knee jerk reaction? Is it “Here am I Lord, send me!” or “yeah but I have to do _________.” If we are going to walk out compassion in our lives we must build margin in our calendars.
If you are pegged to the red (even with good things) on your agenda with no room for Holy Interruptions then you are unfit for the service in the kingdom of God. Busy does not equal productive. Before you pan me for preaching, I am talking to myself in this blog and I am working to correct this sin. I schedule everything, including my margin…so that I know where my time goes every day. This blog is able to be written because I allotted time for margin.
Hear my balance, I deplore lazy ministers who spend ALL their time seeking and planning without DOING anything. Our salaries are paid by the tithes of our faithful members and I take nothing more seriously. However, we need to work more efficiently and we need to schedule margin in our day. That margin can be for Holy interruptions and if one doesn’t arise (even though they always do) you can always fill it with planning for you next series, researching to make you message better or even a time to spend in prayer.
It is a cliche but you have to control your calendar or your calendar will control you.
I pray that you develop the compassionate calendar.
Sean Rheaume 