Dear Type A Man,
It’s better to do less and reflect the nature of Christ, than it is to accomplish more in an un-Christlike manner.
I know what you’re thinking: “What about the fruit? Isn’t it important to bear fruit? The bible says to bear fruit!”
True, the bible does say to bear fruit. But you know, I’ve never seen a single fruit bearing tree run a single step. A fruit bearing tree just plants his roots in good soil, hangs out with other fruit bearing trees so there’s cross pollination, and soaks up the water God provides him. That’s it! I’ve never seen a fruit bearing tree straining to bear fruit. I’ve never seen a fruit bearing tree over-scheduled. I’ve never seen a fruit bearing tree overwhelmed with work.
Jesus said to bear fruit. (John 15:5) But he also said you can’t do it apart from him. So look at how he did it. You never see him in a hurry. He’s never too busy to stop and help. You can just tell his roots are planted deep in the soil of God’s word. You see him hanging with other “trees” if you will, other believers with a heart for God. And you see him awash in God’s Holy Spirit.
So take Jesus’ yoke. Take his yoke upon you and learn from him. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Plant your roots deep in good soil. Go deep into God’s word.
Hang out with other fruit bearing people, so God can “cross pollinate” you.
Soak up God’s water, soak up His Holy Spirit.
Then relax, let God do His thing through you.
Stop straining.
Be gentle and humble in heart.
Let it flow.
Sincerely,
Recovering Type A Man
“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.” -Jesus Christ, Matthew 11:28-30
[Image via katiew – Creative Commons]
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I confess, I’m a recovering Type A man too, Kurt! I don’t know how well I’m doing in my recovery process but I guess I’m better off today than where I was yesterday. I think am finding that at the center of my recovery is that I have to die to myself.
Exactly Peter! Each of us dying to ourselves is the key. The funny thing about it is, after you die, there’s an amazing freedom and peace that comes with it. Great addition to the conversation.
Too busy….we’re to stinking busy. Great blog sir. Much needed reflection on priorities.
Wow, Kurt, that could be me with the Post-It on his forehead. I am obsessed with busyness, often buried in tasks, and convinced that my work life is the only thing that really matters. My prayer will be a humble petition to God asking that I trust in His rest (something nearly impossible for me to do) and live my life showing others with my love that I am a Christian.
Yeah, that was me too, up until very recently. But take heart Paul, you wrote that trusting in His rest and modeling Jesus in this way is “…nearly impossible for me to do.” But Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” I have faith in your humble petition.