Daily Devotions
Help for Workaholics
Reading for October 17th: Mark 6-7
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:30-31
Are you a workaholic? Think about these questions:
• Does maintaining a frantic schedule make you feel important?
• Do you people often tell you that you're working too much (and do you take that as a compliment)?
• Do you find it difficult to say "no" to requests?
• Is it difficult for you to rest and unwind?
• Have you ever talked on the cell phone while playing with the kids?
• When is the last time you went a full day without answering a text or an email?
• After killing yourself over a 60+ hour work week do you still feel guilty about not doing enough?
• Do you resent the fact that your spouse and children complain about you not being around?
• But the critical question is this: Are you working for them or for the Lord?
How do you overcome this addiction? You can't do it on your own. You have to come to the cross. You have to find your self worth in God's love for you, not in your productivity at work.
So listen to me all you workaholics out there... I'm giving you permission to slow down. Leave some of that work for later. Go home early and just enjoy time with your family. Leave the laundry for tomorrow and take a few extra moments today to meditate and pray.
God of peace, help us to feel comfort in your love and thus take off some of the pressure to perform.
