Hey Friends —

Happy April! How are you these days? Really?

True confession time.

My life is a little bit nutty these days.

Ok. More like big time.

The GEMS team

Our full family calendar + my new full-time job at GEMS Girls’ Club (which I love) + full March speaking calendar + making meals (why do we have to eat dinner every night) + book launch stuff + one million emails (or so) + trying to figure out what to wear to work every. single. day (how do people do this?) = one frazzled, overly committed mama.

But no more.

Instead I’ve been intentional and prayerful about creating different choices and habits for 2017.

God knew I would be entering into this full season, and I trust He’ll give me wisdom moving forward. And as I prayerfully reflect on the life of Jesus, I’ve noticed 5 things that Jesus didn’t do, and maybe I—maybe we—shouldn’t either.

WJDD – What Jesus Didn’t Do

1. Jesus didn’t worry about what everyone else would think.

We don’t see Him wrestling with people pleasing. Jesus was never like, “Oh no, they’re going to be disappointed if I don’t have coffee with them, FB message them back, or bring a meal.”

Jesus made choices He knew would not please others. He was intimately aware of His specific purpose and calling, focusing on His specific Kingdom assignment, He didn’t need the approval and admiration of others.

2. Jesus didn’t compare Himself with others.

Jesus wasn’t on FB or Pinterest thinking – “I wish I looked more like Peter (built like a rock), or had fast running legs like John.”

Nope.

Jesus’ days were not filled comparing or competing, but only completing the work God assigned to Him.

3. Jesus didn’t overfill His days.

We don’t see Jesus running from need to need, demand to demand, sun up to sun down with too much to do and no space even to take a breath.

His pace was one of purpose, not persistently hurried and rushed.

Jesus took time to rest, pray, celebrate, breathe, and enjoy the company of those closest to Him.

He said “no” to good things to save strength and energy for all the God things to accomplish.

4. Jesus didn’t fill His days with “should’s.”

Isn’t this good news? I couldn’t find even one “should” in the Gospels (not even in the original Greek). Never did Jesus say….

  • I should serve since no one else is willing.
  • I should try and return every FB message within 24 hours.
  • I should send out one more email.

Jesus was closely connected to His heavenly Father, and He knew what assignments were His to complete. He did so joyfully—letting go of all unrealistic expectations and “should’s,” even if it meant that He would disappoint others. (ouch)

5. Jesus didn’t do everything Himself.

In the Bible, we observe Jesus training and equipping others to help Him complete His work.

Would it be perfect? No. Clearly His disciples were still learning. Yet Jesus saw the value of involving others to help, and experienced the joy of watching His disciples use their gifts and talents for His Kingdom work.

In other words, yes, my kids should cook dinner for now on. 🙂

Ok friends, your turn.

As you look over the WJDD list, are there any surprises?

Which is the hardest for you to carry out in your everyday life?

What one strategy could you implement in your life this season? I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s pray: Oh God, thank You for Your love and grace in our lives. Thank You for Jesus and His perfect example. Help us, Lord, to learn from His pace of purpose, and pursue a life of intention and peace. For Your glory alone. In Jesus’ Powerful Name. Amen.

In Freedom,

Hey friend —
 
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