Finding Rhythm in Life and WorkSample

Prayer: Ask God to help you take an honest look at yourself.

Jesus Is Our Model for a Followable Life

What if our colleagues, or the people we manage, or our children could shadow our every move for a week or maybe a month? Would that be the pace that we would want for them?

Jesus is our model for a healthy, followable life. Yes, he was fully God, but he was also fully human and faced all the temptations we face, including the poor stewardship of time. No one else had more to do with such little time as Jesus. He would have been completely justified in living at a frenzied pace, working all the time, and saying yes to every opportunity. But he didn’t.

Jesus understood his purpose. Your suggested scripture verses for today are a few glimpses into Jesus’ grasp of his purpose and mission. He was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,” (Isaiah 61:1 NIV). Everything he did flowed from that. It was the lens that helped him clarify expectations, set boundaries, and adjust to the needs he encountered without being derailed from his purpose.

If we could see Jesus’ footprints over those three years, they would not be a straight line from the sermon in his home synagogue to the cross. He meanders throughout the region. Jesus’ commitment to a healthy rhythm did not constrict him but freed him. His life had margin for intense ministry, investing in others, attending parties, advocating for the marginalized, entertaining children, and sharing meals…so many meals.

Eugene Peterson’s translation resonates with so many people because we long for this type of rhythm. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly,” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message).

So let’s follow Jesus’ example.

Do you have a personal mission statement?

Take 5-10 minutes and try this:

1. Write down three words that describe your gifts and talents. Or what words would your family or loved ones say about you? (ex, leadership, serving, loving, humility, teaching, etc.)
2. List who you want to impact. (ex, family, colleagues, young leaders, etc.)
3. Write how you will do it. (ex, integrating, encouraging, proclaiming, training)

Begin your statement with "I will" or “I want to.” Finish your statement by using all three areas you wrote down. Transfer your statement to a note card. Carry it with you so that you continually reflect on it. It took me a few days to imprint it in my mind.

Here’s an example from one of the Workmatters’ team members:

I will shine light on the God-given talents of others by being vulnerable and loving in hopes of encouraging the next generation to live a purposeful life.