Balance At WorkSample

The Discipline of Not Reacting to Stress

Living a truly integrated life in which family, faith, work, and recreation flow together more seamlessly requires discipline in how we manage our emotions. We need to have the discipline to take care of ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally, and set healthy boundaries. We need to do the work that produces the best result, not what is easiest or what looks most impressive. When stressful situations arise, we need to pause to calm our emotions.

Martha was distracted by the expectations of others, and she worked herself into an emotional state. She called Jesus “Lord,” yet she had the audacity to tell him what she thought he needed to do to relieve her stress. Martha put her work and momentary stress above her relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ words help us to see the negative effect this had on her attitude. He said, “you are worried and upset about many things.” Rather than experiencing the satisfaction that comes from a job well done, Martha was worried and upset.

Like Martha, it is so easy for us to be distracted by the noise around us at work – the expectations of others, last minute demands and fires to put out. What can we do to work through the distractions that can keep us from choosing Jesus and choosing peace? 

The most important discipline we can develop is to abide in Christ. We abide by starting our day reading and reflecting on God’s Word. We can abide throughout the day by praying and listening so we can discern what God wants us to do. And we can pause and pray when we encounter stress. When we abide, Jesus gives us strength and helps us re-center on what’s most important. 

Prayer

Lord, help me to abide in you more deeply with each day so that I can bear much fruit in my work. May your Word take root in my heart and lead me to live a disciplined life that brings you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.