• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Deeper Christian

Deeper Christian

Christ-Centered Bible Teaching and Resources

  • About
    • About Deeper Christian
    • About NRJohnson
  • Articles
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Bible Studies
    • Jesus in the Old Testament
    • Foundations
    • Bio Sketches
    • Book Reviews
    • Most Recent (Archive)
  • Podcasts + Videos
    • Deeper Christian Podcast
    • Bible Study Series in Ephesians
    • NRJohnson Sermon Podcast
  • Classic Quotes
  • Events
    • Speaking + Preaching
    • Israel Bible Study Tour
    • Discipleship Training
Grow Spiritually

Not Enough Time For Everything

The other day I made a list of everything I had to get done. Some were personal chores – do the dishes, organize my file cabinet. Some happened to be people I needed to call and emails I must respond to. Yet what “filled my plate” consisted mainly of ministry related items. While the list was long, no item caused me dread. But it was the items NOT on the list – that I desired to add – which made me unhappy.

For a long time I have wanted to learn to play the guitar, the djembe, and how to contact juggle. I’ve wanted to take classes in massage therapy, creative writing, and the Deeper Christian Life. I’ve wanted to take time to explore Scotland, Paul’s missionary journeys, and write a book. I’ve even had the wild notion to get married to a beautiful Godly woman one day. While all these things are not necessarily bad – and I may well get to some of them – I made a discovery: I don’t have enough time for everything.

I was reading Amy Carmichael’s book God’s Missionary the other day (which I highly recommend to every Christian) and came across an incredible quote by Dr. Roberts of Tientsin:

. . . life is not long enough for everything.

Amy goes on to suggest that perhaps rather than attempting to accomplish everything, we “narrow down” our lives so it has purpose and focus. If I were to learn guitar, it might be fun but I won’t ever be great at it. I can hit a djembe and make noise, but it won’t ever measure up to what a drummer can do. So what if I invest my time in that which deepens me in Jesus and furthers His Kingdom? Perhaps better stated: what if Jesus became my focus, and the only thing that takes up my time, my agenda, my strength, is what He wants to accomplish and produce in and through my life? If my life was completely at His disposal, to spill and spend as He saw fit, He wouldn’t waste it on trifles and fooleries but on bringing forth the Kingdom, showcasing His glory, and deepening me in the richness of His Person.

While there may not be time for everything, everything in my life can be focused, sourced and produced by Him.

Filed Under: Ramblings

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, deeperChristian will receive an affiliate commission (with no additional cost to you). It is a great way to support the work and ministry of deeperChristian. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Footer

Key Content

  • Learn How to Grow Spiritually
  • The Blog (Articles)
  • Deeper Christian Podcast
  • Bible Study Series in Ephesians
  • How to Study the Bible
  • Classic Christian Quotes
  • Monthly Book Giveaway
  • Recommended Reading
  • Recommended Bible Resources
  • Contact

Learn More

  • About Deeper Christian
  • About NRJohnson
  • Speaking + Preaching
  • What I’m Reading …
  • Israel Study Tours
  • Statement of Faith
  • Copyright • Permissions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Donate

Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. We equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.

This ministry is maintained by the Lord through the stewardship of those who value it.

Copyright © 2023 deeperChristian.
All rights reserved.