In life and in ministry, time is at a premium. There are many people, and many projects that we could potentially invest our time in. I have learned along the way, that people will take as much as we give. By nature, those of us in ministry want to serve and help others. So we have a tendency to lead with “yes.” I think generally it is good to lead with yes but all of us need boundaries. When someone asks for time, or they have a particular project or event that is important to them, and they want us to get involved, we often feel obligated to participate.
However, we have the responsibility to be stewards and it is required of a steward that one be found faithful. I think we can focus on several components of our lives that will help us discern how to best use our time and when we need to say no.
The first is calling. Just because I can do something, does not mean I am called to do something. What are the primary responsibilities that I have in my life that I must fulfill because they are part of my calling? I cannot neglect these.
The second is capacity. Each individual is different. You have to know your limits and if something will stretch you beyond your capacity, then you need to say no. None of us are any good to anybody if we are burned out and not sharp within the capacities that we have.
The third is commitment. If you start something, will you be able to see it through to completion? Or will you disappoint yourself and others by falling short of the finish line?
When you consider each of these you have to take into account how you are doing spiritually, how saying yes will affect your spouse and family, and whether or not it is the best use of your time. I also believe we need to learn to say no with confidence. We should not make excuses, apologize or feel like we have let someone down simply because we have said no. Everyone else’s agenda is not necessarily my agenda or your agenda. Prayer is always the key to evaluating the components I mentioned as well. Ask the Lord how you can best steward the life He has entrusted to you!
