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It’s amazing how often Jesus stopped to respond to the needs of others. He made time for a blind beggar calling out from the roadside, welcomed mothers who wanted Him to bless their children, engaged in a late-night conversation with a searching Pharisee, and answered impromptu questions from the crowds. Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and even when interrupted, He often said “yes” to those in need.
But Jesus was not a people-pleaser. He didn’t say “yes” to everything. He didn’t allow others to exploit Him or manipulate Him. In Mark 1:35-38, we see this clearly:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’” (Mark 1:35-38, ESV)
Even though people were clamoring for Him, Jesus didn’t let their demands dictate His purpose. He prioritized His Father’s will over the immediate needs of the crowd.
While Christians are called to serve, we must be able to say no when necessary. There’s an old adage: “If uncontrolled, work flows to the competent person until he submerges.” Many hard workers have found that oftentimes their reward for a job well-done is more work! If you perform a task efficiently, over time, more and more people will turn to you, and before you know it, your priorities are completely out of alignment. Family time suffers. Personal devotions get rushed or neglected. Exercise routines disappear. Stress levels soar.
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