Fulfilling the many expectations of life weighs a person
down. I’m pulled in multiple
directions... I’m a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, homeowner, business
person and much more.
It is the same for you. You balance career, education,
physical exercise, ministry, family, and friendships, all of which demand huge chunks of your
attention and effort. The problem is you
just can’t do it all. After divvying up your
life in all of these ways there’s just not enough of you to go around. You can’t give more than 100%! You end up feeling burdened and guilt ridden with
a heavy load and expectations you simply cannot fulfill.
So I read today in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all
you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (New
International Version)
Jesus says “If you are weary and burdened just say so.” I’d raise my hand but I’m too tired. What’s His answer?
Take on His yoke. At
first that sounds like He’s adding more, not making it better. But please understand what He’s saying. A yoke was custom made for each individual
animal. The yoke made for one would not fit another. So Jesus is telling us that the yoke He places
on you specially fitted for you. We get burdened when we take on other’s yokes,
trying to measure up to or exceed their work. You are not responsible to carry
the same load or pull the same weight as others around you. His expectation is that you do just what He creates
for you…not more and not less. He points
out that when you aim to fulfill His vision and plan for your life you will
find His yoke is “easy”. Here “easy”
means “kind” and “useful”, not “effortless”. God is not promising a life
without labor or effort. Instead He
designs a life plan that gives focus, purpose and value.
Real effort, yes, but
in work that is right for you. So the expectations that Jesus has for you fits your
abilities and personality. Furthermore His plan is kind and leads us to a
useful outcome.
Jesus does not burden us with impossibilities. Instead He gently leads us to an unburdened life. The result is great. You can end the day, and eventually end your
life with satisfaction. Rested through
assurance you have lived your life on His terms for you.
How are you doing? Are you over or under challenged in your work? Are you taking on His yoke? I'd like to hear from you!
Pastor Todd
Good word Pastor Todd!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of the scripture that says "unless the Lord builds the house they labor in vain that build it." I don't want to spin my wheels! But when we are in the Lords will and wearing the yoke he has designed for our specific life and or task, we will not labor in vain. Yes, we will have labor, but it will be soul satisfying. = )
Thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you Mari. You are correct, I want to build what God is building!
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