“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15.
I know that I have mentioned this before, but I am a bit of a people pleaser. Coming from an abusive background, I have this deep-seated need to make sure that no one gets upset with me. I need to please everyone. I cannot bear to have people upset with me. Unfortunately, that leads me to say “yes” a lot.
Sometimes, I say yes to good things that God would have me do. Other times, I say yes to things that God isn’t even asking of me. These aren’t necessarily sinful things. But they are also not works that God is calling me to do.
There are times that I push the things God would have me do to the back burner. I get so busy doing things that God didn’t even desire that I don’t have time for the things that He does. I know full well that I need to be a good steward of my time, as well as a good steward of everything that God gives me. One day, I will give an account to Him for how I have used my time. “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14.
The truth of the matter is, I occasionally give in to my flesh and fall short of the glory of God. But according to Romans 3:23, we all do. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
So, why then do we say yes to things that are not necessary or God lead!? Why do we do that!?
Sometimes, we do it because we need everything to be okay and we want everyone to be happy with us. When we come from an abusive background, this is often our goal. It is a kind of self-preservation, if you will. But Scripture tells us that, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8.
Other times, it is for self-advancement. It benefits us somehow so, we do it. Perhaps we are hoping for a promotion at work. Or, maybe we desire a position of prestige at school, work, and sometimes, even at church. We want people to see us in positions of affluence so we take on anything that will accomplish our advancement, whether God desires it or not.
Scripture reminds us that when we humble ourselves, in God’s perfect time, He will exalt us. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” 1 Peter 5:6. It also reminds us that when we take matters into our own hands and exalt ourselves, we will be humbled. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12.
Still other times, it is for self-glorification. Instead of glorifying our Father in Heaven, our motive is strictly so that people will think well of us. But, scripture tells us that everything that we do should be done for His glory. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. Only our Lord is worthy of glory.
Above and beyond how this negatively effects each of us, it negatively effects others as well.
When we do things to please others, it is typically for self-preservation. We aren’t doing for others, out of the kindness of our heart. Instead, we do them for self-protection.
We hurt those that we love when we are focused on self-advancement. And we take on more and more and we disregard those we love. Our loved ones are often left waiting, while we are consumed with self-advancement; with trying to achieve whatever that goal is that we are striving for.
And, when we take on more and more to glorify ourselves, we keep those who God might really be leading to do those tasks from doing them. When we focus on glorifying ourselves, we miss those around us who may not feel worthy of doing what God might be calling them to. Scripture tells us that, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. God prepared, beforehand, works for each of us to do. Are you doing the works that God prepared for someone else to do?
God is robbed of glory when we take on too much, regardless of our reasoning.
If your plate is overflowing perhaps it is time to examine whether all that you are doing is for the glory of God. Is God calling you to do each of the tasks that are consuming your time? Or, are you piling things on your own plate for self-protection, self-advancement, or self-glorification? If it’s not for God, it’s for you and its robbing Him of glory. The only one who can help you know what you should be doing is Him. Ask God.
Father God, forgive us when we do anything that robs you of glory. Forgive us when we take things on without consulting you. Forgive us for not stewarding our time well. And, forgive us for not recognizing that when we take things on that you haven’t asked of us, we do not have time for the things you do have for us to do. Those things that can make an eternal impact on those around us and your Kingdom. Please, help us to be better stewards of our time Holy Spirit. Help us to take on only what our Heavenly Father desires for us. We pray this in your precious and holy name Jesus. Amen.
Are you exasperated by all that is on your plate? Did you even know that God cared about your time? God doesn’t want you to be exhausted, exasperated, or overwhelmed. He desires that you would have peace. He wants to help direct your steps so that you would have joy. And, if you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, God can’t do that. He wants a personal relationship with you. If you don’t know Him personally, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). You will find a prayer that is outlined there, please pray that prayer. God is waiting. He has a plan for your life and He loves you and desires a relationship with you. Once you have prayed that prayer, please reach out to me at admin@forgiven-n-loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you.
Luv Ya!
