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Move from physical clutter to time clutter in this convicting episode of Start Small. Based on Luke 12:15, we explore how our calendars reveal what we truly value—and discover that a full schedule doesn't equal a full life. Jesus warns that "one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions," and the same principle applies to our commitments and activities.
Pull out your calendar right now. How does it feel when you see all those appointments, commitments, and obligations stacked together? For most of us, our calendars have become sources of stress rather than tools for living well. We're overcommitted, running from one thing to the next, filling every available slot—but we're not sure what would happen if we stopped.
What You'll Learn:
The Myth of the Full Calendar: We've bought into the lie that being busy means being important, that saying yes to everything makes us valuable and needed. But when fear drives your schedule—fear of judgment, rejection, disappointing others, or missing out—you're not living freely. You're living reactively, controlled by others' expectations rather than God's calling.
What Your Schedule Reveals: An honest look at your calendar reveals where you're seeking approval from people instead of God, where you're trying to earn worth through productivity, where you've given others control over your time, and where you're living out of fear instead of freedom. Many commitments exist not because they align with your values, but because of obligation: "If I don't go, my friends will think I don't care."
Life Doesn't Consist in Abundance: Jesus' words apply directly to our schedules. You don't become more valuable by doing more things or more loved by being busier. When you're overcommitted, you're stretched too thin to do anything well—present physically but absent mentally. You give everyone a piece of yourself, but nobody (including God) gets your best.
The Freedom of Saying No: Saying no to good things is not a sin. You can decline an invitation and still love that person, step back from volunteering and still care about the cause. "No" is stewardship—investing your limited time and energy wisely. When you say no to what's not yours to carry, you say yes to rest, deeper relationships, quality over quantity, and God's priorities.
This Week's Small Step: Review your schedule and identify WHY you have each commitment. Ask: Does this align with God's calling? Does it bring life or drain it? Am I doing this from love or obligation? Then remove ONE unnecessary commitment. Send the email, make the call, step back. You don't need to over-explain—just communicate clearly and kindly.
Perfect for overcommitted individuals, people-pleasers, busy parents, anyone struggling with boundaries, or believers seeking to live more intentionally with their time.
Scripture Focus: Luke 12:15 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Simplicity
Discover how simplifying your schedule creates margin for what truly matters and frees you to live from purpose instead of pressure.
