The feeling that we have control over our lives is a core psychological need. It’s part of God’s design. Feeling organized and in control keeps us focused on what’s right about life.
Worry, and the feeling of being out-of-control have the opposite effect. These manifestations can lead to depression, stress, and anxiety, harming the immune system and heart resilience. The problem is that we tend to worry about things out of our control and procrastinate about things within our control!
Here’s a powerful strategy for shifting what we worry about. Understand that worry is simply the state of being concerned about something repeatedly. So, take that same repetitive energy and “Worry About This” instead: Focus only on that which Jesus has called us to be responsible for.
In The Master’s Program, we outline 10 responsibilities that Jesus has given only us. Here’s the list:
Your Body – How you care for it will determine if you get to live all the days allotted to you by God. You can’t outlive your pre-ordained number of days, but you can cut them short!
Your Mind – We are transformed by the renewal of our mind. Choosing the right thoughts and avoiding others requires vigilance.
Your Soul – This is how you relate to others. Are you one who treats other image-bearers with love or disdain? Are the fruit of the Spirit hanging from your tree?
Your Spirit – Your spirit is seated with Christ. It is your direct access to the Trinity. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. Are you leaning into this unlimited resource and relationship?
Your Spouse – If you’re wired for marriage, your spouse is arguably your most important earthly relationship. It requires proportional investment.
Your Offspring – These precious gifts are our responsibility, not the Sunday school teacher or the local coach. Our kids require our intentional investing.
Your Career – Many people spend most of their investment here. Although working as unto the Lord is critical, your career investment should be on par with the above responsibilities rather than the worldly standard of eclipsing everything else.
Your Resources – If you earn over $38,000, you make more than 99% of the rest of the world. With great wealth comes great responsibility. Spend it as if it’s God’s money – because it is!
Your Kingdom Calling – your unique Potential, Passion, and Purpose triangulated for Kingdom return on investment. This is the highest call of God you can obtain.
To the Church – will it be aimed at the Body of Christ making disciples, or,
To the World – will it be aimed at going and baptizing?
In The Master’s Program, we ask leaders to invest in each area for excellence continuously. We call it LifeMastery. The goal is that you become a leader of other believers in each area.
Worrying about things out of your control takes a lot of energy. Imagine harnessing this energy to focus on what you can control. The next time you’re catastrophizing on things out of your control, shift your focus on what you can control – LifeMastery. Focus on the areas God’s given only you to manage. Pour your energy into these 10 areas and suffocate out-of-control worry. Life to the full depends on it.
In your corner,
Rob
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