“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4-5 (ESV)
I am currently reading a book titled Margin by Dr. Richard A. Swenson, M.D., that explores the concept of margin in our lives. Margin is the space between our load and our limits. It is the amount of time, money, and energy that we have left over after we have done what we need to do. Margin-less is being 30 minutes late to your child’s baseball practice, because you were 20 minutes late grocery shopping, because you were stuck 10 minutes in traffic, and your car is almost empty so don’t forget to do that on the way home!
Creating margin in our life helps reduce stress and prevent burnout. It also allows us to step back from our work and think creatively. When we are constantly busy, it’s hard to find time to think outside the box or come up with new ideas. Margin also gives you the space you need to think critically and make sound decisions. When you’re rushing from one thing to the next, it’s easy to make hasty or impulsive decisions.
The above verse of Scripture speaks about those who are always rushing and toiling to obtain wealth. Money in and of itself is neither good nor bad, it’s our attitude about wealth is what can lead us into sinful patterns of thoughts and behaviors. This is why we need to “be discerning enough to desist”, or wise enough to know when to stop and rest from our labors and be content with what we have in that moment. The famous 19th-century oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller has been quoted of saying when asked “How much money is enough?” he replied, “just a little bit more”. This conversation may not have taken place, however the sentiment expressed in the story sums up many who are quick to try and “strike it rich”.
The problem is even if you obtain what you are seeking, often wealth has a way of disappearing on us, it doesn’t last forever. When it leaves us, we are left asking the question “What did I work so hard for?” 1 Timothy 6:6 tells us that “godliness with contentment is great gain”. While working hard with diligence is certainly a Biblical virtue, we are also called at the end of the day to be content with what the Lord provides for us, and to enjoy the blessings of the Lord. Are you creating margin in your life or are you constantly facing a breaking point of stress and fatigue?
Coram Deo,
Jeremy Schram, Elder
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