All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. (1 Corinthians 10:23, ESV)
We have been talking about rest during this last week. I hope that you have been able to take time to be renewed and refreshed. Rest is important. God commands us to rest. Neglecting rest is as much a sin as stealing is a sin. When we fail to rest we are robbing ourselves of energy and passion to work for the kingdom of God.
Rest is physical. It is also spiritual and emotional. It is easy to separate these categories, but they compliment each other. Physical rest has spiritual and emotional benefits. Spiritual and emotional rest will also renew our physical energy.
Our rest is often about presence. Rest often involves removing ourselves from a situation, circumstance, or situation. You are reading this on the internet. There is much on the internet that emotionally drains us. Sometimes the most restful thing we can do is remover ourselves from the internet. It is a physical action that has emotional and spiritual benefits.
Another example might be a group of people with whom you associate. When you gather with this group they gossip and complain about everything. It wears you down. It causes you to take a pessimistic outlook in life. Maybe the most restful thing you can do is physically remove yourself from this group of people. Associate with people who are encouraging and uplifting. It will lift you spiritually.
I am not suggesting that you become a hermit and isolate yourself from society. But consider the things in your life that take energy from you. Then consider the things that fuel you and bring new passion into your life. Put yourself in places that build you up rather than tear you down.
Reflection
- What are the things in life that most zap your energy?
- How do you make more times for the things that energize you and less time for the things that drain you?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the energy and the passion that you pour into my life. There are many things that wear me down and rob me of my zeal. Some of those things I voluntarily submit myself. Give me the courage to walk away from the things that rob joy and passion in my life so that I can commit myself towards the things that build me up to better serve you. Amen.
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