Becoming More Effective

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Becoming More Effective

1 Corinthians 6:12 “‘Everything is permissible for me’ — but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’ — but I will not be mastered by anything”.

Once we discover the misconceptions that cause us to overdo, we may need practical tools to help us stay committed to the process of behavioral change. One simple, yet effective strategy is:

Always subtract an activity or obligation each time a new one is added.

Those of us who want to do everything and do it just right are usually dependable and competent people. As others recognize this fact, they ask us to organize, help, and accomplish –more.
Although we care deeply about the many legitimate and worthwhile causes, we need to remind ourselves that when we do too much, we often become less productive. Using discretion and doing less may actually help us be more effective and healthy. Completing an existing time-consuming project before starting another may be an unfamiliar practice for us. But learning to say “no” to one activity because we have already committed to another is a wise habit to develop. This is a more relaxed and beneficial way to live. And it is acceptable with God.
Lord, help me become more comfortable with cutting back. I want to be an effective servant of yours.

2008 Joan C. Webb