Red Letter Christians

The Myth of Busyness

by Tony Campolo Sunday, March 6th, 2011

Busyness is a futile attempt to convey to yourself and to others that you are a person of great importance.  The overwhelming thought process is that a very busy life (for Jesus of course) + work + family + every little thing people ask you (with good intentions of course) = God’s favor and will for your life. This formula will undoubtedly not directly equal God’s favor but instead will equal individual exhaustion.

Jesus, on the other hand, talks about a man who plants a seed and then goes to sleep and rests.  While he is sleeping, corn begins to grow, “first the blade and then the ear, and eventually the full corn appears.”  In short, we should not feel that everything is dependent on us when it comes to the work of the Kingdom of God.  We should do what we are called to do, but not feel that we have to consume every moment in making things happen for God and for God’s Kingdom.

Currently, my wife and I are on a week long vacation. During this time I have limited myself to calling my ministry, EAPE, office only once per day and staying away from all forms of media communication with the exception of once or twice per day. I can’t seem to be able to cut connections altogether but this forced limitation (imposed by both myself and my wife) has forced me to take a deep breath, relax, and actually be on vacation.

Undoubtedly, you cannot be busy enough to think that busyness will not catch up to you someday. Life is a precious and short experience so take a moment to breathe in and realize that you and the world are alive! Be grateful that for this moment you are breathing and experiencing the creation of God right at your fingertips!

And while you’re at it tell your family and your neighbor and experience the beauty of creation together.


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  • Eboronkay

    Love your work Tony. Have a blessed vacation.
    Please remember there are many of us out here who would love to find that balance. However we are in jobs where lay-offs have us doing our own job and at least part of the job of our lost co-worker. I am learning so much about surrendering to God to let His Power work thru me. It does not change that I just have too much to do!

  • Whitehorse

    Yes, yes, yes!!

  • Bobwhiz

    Wish Tony had found a more Biblical basis than this passage for the doctrine of rest. It’s in Scripture, but not where Mr. Campolo says it is.

  • Jennifer A. Nolan

    Hellooo, Eboron!! This is what comes when poor working Americans are too stupid to unionize for 40 years on end (Look at U.S. Government statistics on union membership over the last half century)! Workers like you (and me) are being played for suckers, and we are dancing along with the tune, rather than fighting back. You want this “work-life balance” of yours?? Look up the union that’s appropriate to your line of work and other nearby pro-labor groups on the Website of the AFL-CIO. At least you will be doing something besides toil away for some piggy stuffed suit!

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