Creating Margin: Prioritizing Being Over Doing
Summary
In our journey through the "Me and Three" series, we have been inspired to dream, to set goals, and to align our lives with God's calling. We've recognized that our patterns dictate our direction, and we've been challenged to establish new practices that lead us to the life God has designed for us. As we conclude this series, we must confront a critical issue: the creation of margin in our lives.
Margin is the space that allows us to breathe, to hear God's voice, and to live fully. It is the amount available beyond what is necessary. Without margin, we are overwhelmed, overworked, and overscheduled. We must understand that behind every full schedule is an attempt to fill an empty soul. We chase after many things, hoping to satisfy deep internal cravings for respect, value, love, and fulfillment. Yet, this pursuit often leads to an exhausted life, not a satisfied one.
To create margin, we must narrow our focus. We must recognize that we cannot go everywhere at once. Like a laser, we must channel our energy into what truly matters. This means understanding the season we are in and choosing to focus on what is most important during this time. For some, it may be building a strong spiritual and emotional foundation for their children. For others, it may be developing habits and disciplines that will benefit them in the long term.
Secondly, we must choose what matters. We have the power to decide how we spend our time. By asking ourselves whether our activities will matter in 30 years, we can discern what is truly important. This may require us to say no to things that do not align with our long-term goals, even if they are good things. We must choose activities that build towards a meaningful life, not just a busy one.
Lastly, we must prioritize being over doing. Our identity and worth are not found in our accomplishments but in who we are in Christ. We must strive to become more like Jesus, focusing on our character and our relationship with Him. This means creating space for rest, for worship, and for spiritual growth.
As we move forward, let us remember that it is not about adding more to our schedules but about creating the life we truly desire. Let us choose to live with margin, to focus on what matters, and to prioritize being over doing.
Key Takeaways:
- Margin is essential for a balanced life. It is the space that allows us to hear God's voice and to live fully. Without margin, we cannot experience the peace and fulfillment that God desires for us. We must be intentional about creating margin in our lives by focusing on what is truly necessary. [59:11
- Choosing what matters requires the courage to say no to the many good opportunities that come our way. We must discern what will have lasting value in our lives and invest our time and energy there. This discernment is a daily practice that aligns our actions with our deepest values and God's purpose for us. [01:07:20
- Being overdoing emphasizes the importance of who we are becoming rather than what we are accomplishing. Our character and our relationship with God are paramount. We must cultivate our inner life and ensure that our doing flows from our being in Christ. [01:11:25
- The concept of seasons in our lives reminds us that there is a time for everything. We must be aware of the season we are in and adjust our focus accordingly. This awareness helps us to live intentionally and to make the most of the time we have been given. [01:04:19
- The pursuit of filling an empty soul with a full schedule is a futile endeavor. True satisfaction comes from a relationship with God and living a life aligned with His will. We must examine our motivations and ensure that our busyness is not an attempt to fill a void that only God can satisfy. [42:37
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
> As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
2. Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 (NIV)
> And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
3. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
> Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), what were the different approaches each sister took when Jesus visited their home? [45:18]
2. According to Ecclesiastes 4:4-6, what are the two extremes Solomon describes, and what does he suggest is better? [55:03]
3. What does Psalm 90:12 ask God to teach us, and why is this important for our lives? [34:13]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of margin, and why is it essential for a balanced life? [59:11]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus commended Mary’s choice over Martha’s in Luke 10:38-42? What does this teach us about priorities? [48:43]
2. How does the pursuit of filling an empty soul with a full schedule relate to the message in Ecclesiastes 4:4-6? [53:50]
3. What does it mean to "number our days" as mentioned in Psalm 90:12, and how can this lead to gaining a heart of wisdom? [34:54]
4. The sermon suggests that we must narrow our focus to create margin in our lives. How does this principle align with the teachings in Luke 10:38-42 and Ecclesiastes 4:4-6? [01:01:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current schedule. Are there activities that you are involved in that may not matter in 30 years? How can you start saying no to these activities to create more margin in your life? [01:07:20]
2. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by your schedule. What were you trying to achieve, and did it bring you true satisfaction? How can you ensure that your future pursuits align with God’s purpose for you? [42:37]
3. In what ways can you prioritize being over doing in your daily life? Identify one specific change you can make this week to focus more on your character and relationship with God rather than your accomplishments. [01:11:25]
4. How can you discern the season you are currently in, and what should be your primary focus during this time? Share with the group one area of your life where you need to narrow your focus. [01:04:19]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of creating space for rest, worship, and spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take to ensure you have this space in your weekly routine? [01:00:27]
6. How can you involve your family in creating margin and focusing on what truly matters? Discuss ways to build a strong spiritual and emotional foundation for your children or loved ones. [01:03:09]
7. Reflect on the idea that our identity and worth are found in who we are in Christ, not in our accomplishments. How can this perspective change the way you approach your goals and daily tasks? [01:11:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Life's Necessary Margins
Creating margin in our lives is not about doing less, but about living more. Margin is the intentional space that prevents us from being overwhelmed by the busyness of life. It is the buffer that allows us to breathe, to reflect, and to connect with God on a deeper level. Without margin, we risk becoming overworked and losing sight of what truly matters. It is in the quiet moments, away from the noise and haste, that we can hear God's voice most clearly and find the strength to live out our calling. Margin is not about inactivity; it's about creating room for activities that rejuvenate our spirit and align us with God's purpose. It's about saying no to the things that crowd our lives and yes to the things that contribute to our spiritual well-being. By establishing boundaries and prioritizing our time, we can create the necessary margin to grow in our faith and live a life that is both fulfilling and honoring to God. [59:11]
Psalm 90:12 - "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Reflection: How can you intentionally create margin in your daily schedule to prioritize time with God and self-reflection?
Day 2: Discerning What Truly Matters
In a world filled with endless opportunities and distractions, choosing what matters most is a courageous act. It requires us to look beyond the immediate and consider the long-term impact of our choices. This discernment is not a one-time decision but a daily practice that helps us align our actions with our deepest values and God's purpose for our lives. By asking ourselves whether our activities will have lasting value, we can prioritize our time and energy on what will truly enrich our lives and the lives of others. It's about investing in relationships, cultivating our gifts, and contributing to the kingdom of God in meaningful ways. When we choose what matters, we live with intention and purpose, and our lives become a testament to what we truly value. [01:07:20]
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: What is one activity you can eliminate from your schedule that does not contribute to your long-term spiritual growth or God's calling for your life?
Day 3: Prioritizing Being Over Doing
Our worth is not measured by our productivity or achievements but by who we are in Christ. In a culture that often values doing over being, it is vital to remember that our identity is rooted in our relationship with God. Prioritizing being over doing means focusing on our character and our spiritual growth. It's about cultivating a life of worship, rest, and connection with God, allowing these practices to shape our actions and decisions. When we invest in our being, our doing becomes a natural overflow of our identity in Christ, leading to a more authentic and impactful life. This shift in focus from external accomplishments to internal transformation is essential for living a life that truly honors God. [01:11:25]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: How can you cultivate your inner life today to ensure that your actions are an overflow of your relationship with Christ?
Day 4: Understanding Life's Seasons
Recognizing the season we are in is crucial for living intentionally. Just as nature has its seasons, our lives are marked by different times and purposes. Understanding our current season allows us to focus our energy on what is most important at this time. It might be a season of growth, learning, healing, or serving. By being aware of the season we are in, we can make the most of our time and live in a way that aligns with God's timing and plan for our lives. This awareness helps us to avoid the trap of busyness for the sake of busyness and instead live a life that is rich in purpose and meaning. [01:04:19]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
Reflection: What season are you currently in, and how can you adjust your focus to align with what God is doing in your life right now?
Day 5: Filling the Soul with More Than Busyness
The pursuit of a full schedule in an attempt to satisfy our souls is a futile endeavor. True satisfaction and fulfillment come from a relationship with God and living a life that is in harmony with His will. When we try to fill the voids in our lives with activities and achievements, we miss the opportunity to find contentment in God's presence. It is only by turning to Him and seeking His guidance that we can experience the peace and joy that our hearts truly desire. By examining our motivations and ensuring that our busyness is not a substitute for a deeper connection with God, we can live a life that is truly satisfying and meaningful. [42:37]
Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: In what ways might you be using busyness to fill a void in your life, and how can you seek fulfillment in God instead?
Quotes
1) "Margin is the amount available after what is needed. Remember what Jesus said: we're running after many things, but few things are needed. We have to change our mindset if we want to live a life filled with peace." [59:45
2) "You have the power to choose what you do with your time, and what you choose to do with your time will determine where you end up in three years. Make sure to choose what matters." [01:06:46
3) "Mary chose what was better in that moment and so here's what we have to do: we have to learn how to choose what matters. Can I give you a real simple question to ask yourself about your schedule? Does this matter in 30 years?" [01:07:20
4) "One of the biggest reasons why we go nowhere is because we're trying to go everywhere. There's power in understanding sometimes that less is more." [01:01:34
5) "Behind every full schedule there is something inside of us that is longing and craving. We have appetites we want out of life, and most of us are moving in every direction trying to fill that void." [42:37
6) "What really matters at the end of the day is who you are. I've done a lot of funerals and not once did someone get up and go on about all their accomplishments. They talk about who they were, not what they did." [01:14:09
7) "If we're going to create margin, then we've got to narrow our focus, choose what matters, and prioritize being over doing. In three years, we want to look back and see who we've become, not just what we've accomplished." [01:14:37
8) "An empty soul tends to have a full schedule, but what they end up with is an exhausted life. When our soul is empty, we fill it with what we think will satisfy those cravings, but we end up unsatisfied." [43:40
9) "Rather than running after everything and using all your time and energy to get everything you can, it's better to have a little less but to have a little more peace." [57:22
10) "When you try to do it on your own strength and power, most of the time we will fail. But when we trust in God, when we lean into God, when we rest in a miracle-working God, that's when God begins to do things in us." [01:17:35
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