The internet offers plenty of advice for maximizing time and effort in order to achieve success. The suggestions include:
- Prioritize and protect your agenda. Identify the crucial tasks for each day and focus on those items first. Limit interruptions; shut down distractions.
- Build an efficient routine into your schedule to streamline how time is allocated.
- Pursue your own goals; don’t let others set them for you.
- Network—especially with influential people who can expedite your success.
Jesus failed to follow any of that advice.
Instead:
His agenda shifted often, and he allowed frequent interruptions.
People interrupted his teaching and traveling all the time with requests for miracles. Jewish leaders interjected questions while he was speaking. When he tried to take the disciples to a quiet place for rest, the crowds followed, eager to hear him preach.
And out of compassion, Jesus complied. [1]
Sometimes even his interruptions were interrupted.
While answering a question of John the Baptist’s disciples one day, a ruler intruded upon the conversation, begging him to come and raise his daughter from the dead. En route to the ruler’s house, another interruption occurred when a woman touched his robe in hope of healing.[2]
It’s a wonder he ever arrived at his intended destinations.
Jesus had no routine.
Scripture seems to indicate Jesus lived in the moment—teaching, building relationships, healing, and performing miracles as opportunities presented themselves.
However, Christ did make time for important habits, including seclusion, prayer, and worship.[3]
Jesus’ overarching goal in life was to accomplish his Father’s goal.
“For I have come down from heaven
not to do my will but to do
the will of him who sent me.”
–John 6:38
Jesus set his sights on the joy awaiting him, when all earthly pain, frustration, and humiliation would be over and he’d be seated at the right side of his Father’s throne.[4]
Jesus built relationships, not a network.
At the end of three years, he’d assembled 120 followers.[5] That’s an average of 40 per year; less than one per week. Not very impressive.
Yet Jesus was the most successful Person who ever lived because:
True success is excellent living—
when a person’s thoughts, decisions,
and actions honor God.
–Chrystal Evans Hurst[6]
And Christ accomplished that perfectly.
Now, thousands of angels encircle his throne, giving Jesus praise, honor, and glory because of his triumph over sin and death.[7]
What about us? Are we focused on the culture’s view of success or God’s?
Do we accept—even celebrate—what he chooses to do through us and then leave the results to him?
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Lord God, help me to be a failure like Jesus! I confess that worldly standards of success cloud my vision of what true excellence entails: obedience to you. Remind me you know what you’re doing and you do all things well; circumstances are not reliable indicators. I reaffirm my trust in you whose works are always perfect.
(Jeremiah 7:23; Proverbs 19:21; Deuteronomy 32:4)
[1] Matthew 9:18-19; 21:23-24; 20:29-34; Mark 6:30-34
[2] Matthew 9:14-26
[3] Mark 1:35; Luke 4:16
[4] Hebrews 12:2
[5] Acts 1:15
[6] Kingdom Woman Devotional, Tyndale House Publishers (2013), p. 49.
[7] Revelation 5
Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.freebibleimages.org (2); http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com.
From the Inside Out 
Excellent post
Thank you, Suzanne. Praise God for his inspiration!
Jesus built relationships, not a network. Words of wisdom. Thank you, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Carole. Praise God for the wisdom he reveals to us!
Ironically, that’s what the life of a rural pastor/shepherd looks like.
Hadn’t thought of that, Gary, but should have. Our son pastors in a small town. Are you speaking from your own experience, perhaps?
Thank you for the grounding, message, Nancy. I look forward to your words. You continue to refresh me. 🙂
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Deborah! I’m honored these words refresh you, and must praise God (again!) for his continual refreshment of my spirit and inspiration.
What wonderful perspective you have given us here, Nancy. Jesus did NOT come to build a network, but relationships. We should do nothing else but strive for the same. When we seek the Kingdom of God, all else will fall into place.
Blessings!
AMEN to that last statement, Martha! “Seek first the kingdom of God; all else will fall into place” makes an excellent breath prayer! (I’m writing that one down!)
‘Jesus built relationships, not a network.’
Dear Nancy, in this day and age of gathering numbers and being known and seen, I take great comfort in this truth you’ve shared.
May we love each other well …
Indeed, Linda. “Love” should always be our top priority (Matthew 22:36-40), but it’s all too easy to lose sight of its importance.
wow love this insight. I too have noticed how Jesus accepted interruptions with patiences and grace. It is as if he wanted and expected them. I think he did have a loose routine as he often tried to go off by himself to be with his Father. Yet like you wrote, he wasn’t rigid in these. Good lesson for all of us.
Thank you, Jean. I’m honored you found insight here–praise God! Interruptions can trip me up and frustrate me. I pray the Spirit brings to mind my own writing (!) and reminds me to live more loosely like Jesus did.
Beautifully crafted post, Nancy. A wonderful reminder that our agenda/plans must allow interruptions. We can never be in such a big hurry to get on with our plans that we fail to see opportunities to share His Word with someone that the Lord puts in our path.
Thank you, Cheri. I needed the reminder myself!
I love this in so many ways, Nancy. I learned a long time ago that I cannot have a set routine every day because of Aaron. My days do follow a certain pattern but have many interruptions because of his needs. He is my ministry, in a sense. And then there are so many others with whom I can fellowship and encourage. Like you said, relationships instead of routines. What valuable words you shared!
I can understand you would have to hold your plans very loosely. And oh yes–Aaron is indeed your ministry. My mom used to say that about taking care of my dad when his arthritis and Parkinson’s disease became very debilitating. However! Others see you, Patty, and are encouraged and inspired to be a little more patient, a little more grateful, and a little more positive, because that’s what they see in you–in spite of your difficult circumstances. Your ministry reaches more than you imagine!
You’re a precious encouragement, Nancy. Thank you. ❤️
This is a wonderful post, Nancy. How Jesus shows us how to live in the present, constantly seeking our Father’s will, not a ‘network,’ is a perspective I long to get close to right! What peace we gain from no longer striving for more just cause we got hooked into a man-made definition of success that does not include Jesus.
Thank you, Lynn. Our Savior does offer us a glorious life of peace (John 14:27). With you I want to live in that peace and forego the paltry offerings of this world!
I love this post Nancy….Very thought provoking and insightful!! ❤️
Thank you, Lisa! I’m honored you found these thoughts insightful. Praise God for his inspiration!
Sadly, networking has become the order of the day. Thanks for this eye-opening post.
You’re welcome, Chris! Networking has its place in today’s business world, I suppose, but we shouldn’t allow it to consume us.
One of the joys of faith is not being bothered (TOO much) by interruptions, knowing that God has a plan and can work around (or THROUGH) anything. 😉
Amen, Annie! Alas, I’m still learning that lesson! Sometimes I can still become frustrated by interruptions.