There is no doubt a lot of things have changed all around us so much it is possible to get lost in the midst of the distractions, cares and anxiety that accompanies this peculiar season we are in. One thing that is common to quite a lot of people in this season is the undeniable need and use of the internet, which definitely has its upsides and downsides.
Considering how much time we spend online at a time like this, it is important we pay attention to how not to allow the down sides of the reality of the times we live in affect us in such a way that we become incapable of being as productive as we ought to be as God’s children.
As a result of this, it is important we pay attention to/do some or all of the things stated below in order to thrive as God will have us at such a time as this.
- As much as you can, DO LESS ONLINE: spend more time with people physically if you can because life online, virtual meetings and so on is nothing compared to meeting physically and doing life together with others in person. If we have to do life online, then it should not be at the detriment of our mental health. I personally went through that moment of experiencing mental fatigue last year simply because I had to go from one online meeting to another without taking a break. If you however cannot do without doing life online so much, ensure you are at least spending such time doing truly valuable things and as much as you can, take breaks from time to time in between meetings to cool off or relax your mind. This way, you become more productive and experience less stress that accompanies what has become our new normal.
- Let God sort stuffs for you His own way: rather than worry your head about so much that you are unable to handle yourself, choose to hand it over to the One who can. While it is so true that a lot has changed all around the world, there is something we can be sure is unchangeable and that is the person of the only True and Living God. The changes we are confronted with is such that is capable of making even the strongest of men doubt, panic, fret, be discouraged or consider seeking help where there is no help ( It is so interesting how we turn to the internet even for answers that only the Holy Spirit can provide). Rather than do all these, it is expected of us to be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)
- Stay faithful to your “me time” with Abba: this is no doubt a time when there is an increase in the noise all around us. From the news across the globe, to easy access to so much knowledge or information on the internet, like never before, there is so much noise all around us that needs to be carefully filtered if we will escape been deafened by the sound of such noise. The way out of this is to constantly withdraw and spend quality time with God, knowing that at such times, we are able to hear what He will have us hear and as we hear Him, there is a quietness in our Spirit that silences every other sound that is contrary to His will or Word.
- Choose to get God’s approval rather than mans’ : doing the latter will make us unreal and far from being authentic. Authenticity and vulnerability is however God’s desire for our generation, because that’s the way we can get the help we need, yet we have a Church or Christian culture that says ” keep the smile up, you cannot afford to let them know you are tried, struggling, helpless, drowning, or confused”. Can we just trade this culture for the culture of the Kingdom that we belong to? We are made for one another. We are permitted to ask for help whenever there is a need for it, even our Master and Savior did the same, so why shouldn’t we? ( Matthew 26: 36-44)
- Delegate duties: You don’t have to be the one to do it if you do not know how to do it. However, bear in mind that “people actually get done what you supervise and not what you assign.” I recently embarked on a new assignment and realized how blessed I am with the gift of people. I usually love to do what I have to do all by myself, not bothering anyone but this new assignment was undoubtedly such that I needed no one to tell me I had no understanding of how to go about it technically speaking. The head knowledge was there but I needed more than that. Thank God for the gift of amazing people He plants on our path to help us achieve what He has called us to do. This is a time when we all can make do with a little help here and there. We all need some time to cool off and just know it that we have less to worry about.
- Show people how much you care rather than how much you know: people know the heart that cares and the one that does not and everyone can make use of empathy at such a time as this, myself inclusive, so I am to give it to others so I can get the same in return. This is not a time to boss oneself around people, considering that a lot of people have a lot going with them and are definitely not ready for anyone to add to their existing problems.
- Like Mary, make the right choice by sitting at Emmanuel’s feet: if we will succeed in all that He has called us to do, we have to make room for Him, so we can be refreshed and instructed from time to time. Anyone who is unable to hear God at such a time as this is most likely going to fall into all kind of errors and unnecessary issues. Why not stay in constant fellowship with Him in order to avoid the drama that comes with being disconnected? ( Luke 10:42)
All these long talk came from the place of me having to say to myself “I have a life to live in Christ and for Christ and so I have to drop some unnecessary noise and distractions that will not only mess me up but others as well, knowing fully well that making the choice to continue to live in an unhealthy manner mentally, emotionally, physically, relationship wise, career wise, ministry wise, etc. will make me less productive to God, myself and others.
Pay attention to this season so you do not get carried away by the stuffs that accompany it and are capable of distracting anyone who chooses to be insensitive.
Author Profile
- Temitope is the founder of thesoulmeal.com, an online platform that she shares with her God-given spiritual family and friends. She is a speaker, teacher and youth counselor. She is passionate about inspiring people to find their identity in Christ. Catch her interviewing inspiring leaders on Tongue of the Learned Podcast
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