Beware the Busyness Syndrome.

Granted, for some a touch of the “busyness syndrome” would be a good thing. It’s as though ‘hyper-busyness’ and laziness are on either sides of this spectrum. The Bible speaks to both ends. For our consideration today we will give attention to the former.

In Luke 10:38-42 we find Martha “distracted with much serving” (vs.40). In her busyness she neglected that which was most needful; namely, sitting at Jesus’ feet. Martha’s tendency is emblematic of many ‘type-A’ personalities. Being wired for production and enjoying labor are very good things. The Bible often commends such behavior (Prov 12:24;13:4;14:23; Col 3:23). But too much of a good thing is bad when it leads to the neglect of that which is greater, or needful.

Some can become so busy that they neglect ministering to, or spending time with, their families. Others can become so committed to their work that they make church fellowship take the back, back seat. Some can enjoy laboring for the glory of Christ but neglect communing with Christ in prayer. These are just three of the symptoms of having come down with the busyness syndrome.

Clearly, each of the aforementioned ramifications aren’t good. They need to be addressed and changed so as to avoid sin and relational damage.

How, then, do you avoid the busyness syndrome? We’ll consider three ways.

1. Keep Jesus’ words in the forefront of your mind. Jesus told Martha, “One thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk 10:42). The good part that Mary chose was sitting at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word (vs.39). When you’re tempted to become, or stay, so busy that it leads to the the neglect of communing with Jesus, let those words ring loud in your mind.

2. Remember, Christianity can better be described as following Christ as opposed to working-for-Christ (Mt. 4:19; 8:22; 16:24; 19:27-28; Mk. 10:21, 28, 52; Lk. 5:11; Jn. 1:37-40, 43; 8:12, 10:4-5, 27; 12:26; etc.). Granted, a follower will be a laborer (1 Cor. 15:58; 16:10; Gal. 6:9), but inextricably connected to the following that happened in that 1st century context was some measure of abiding. Jesus, for instance, called His apostles and disciples to “follow Him” (Mt. 4:19; 9:9; 16:24) and “be with Him” (Mk. 3:14). And then, from that place of consistent communion, they were to do the works He called them to do. So it should be with us.

3. Keep trying to leverage your schedule to balance communion, labor, and interpersonal fellowship. If you find you’re too busy, do something to change it. If you’ve tried before and failed to be consistent with the changes you made, keep trying. Keep your current commitments but look ahead for ways to clear out the time you need to ensure balancing personal communion with Christ, with others, and the work He has called you to do. Should you need inspiration, remember that Christ, your Savior, is also your example. In Mark’s Gospel we see that Jesus rose “a long while before daylight… went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mk. 1:35). Then, after Simon and other disciples found Him, Jesus went with them to preach in towns and synagogues throughout Galilee (vs.38). The Savior well modeled keeping first things first and maintaining fellowship while being busy.

What change can you make today, or plan to make, to ensure you will not be overtaken by the busyness syndrome?