I'M SORRY, BUT I CAN'T

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22, NIV)

What an unbelievable life change for PGA Tour rookie winner JB Holmes in the last three months! What will he do next? Where will he go? Golf's grandest events are waiting for him to commit, and appearance fees overseas entice him here and there.

One thing is for sure. Holmes cannot play all the events he would like to attend. Neither will he be able to make all the TV appearances available, nor sign all the autographs petitioned, nor attend all the fantastic parties and banquets, nor use his platform at all fundraisers. He must choose wisely the way he will use his time and influence.

JB Holmes is not alone. He is a lot like you and me. In this new world we live in, opportunity is abundant. Communication channels relay information to us instantly from around the world, and swift local and worldwide travel makes possibilities endless. We too are bombarded every day with good opportunities. 

Let's look at what Paul did not say in his quote to the Corinthians. Paul did not say he was all things, to all men, at all times, and all places. This would be humanly impossible, but we are tricked into thinking we must attempt it all the same.

I know 15 people currently going on mission trips. I've received probably a hundred letters from Christian organizations that legitimately need funds in order to do godly things. And there are thousands of needs to be met in our local church body and community.

In the next two weeks we have to choose between my wife's grandmother's funeral in Denver, my wife's maid of honor's first baby shower in Houston, a couples retreat that we are committed to administer and attend in Dallas, and my job requires me to be in Austin. By the way, we have a one-year-old son.

And I bet you are like me. You are overextended financially, mentally, and physically simply by helping with opportunities that are not on the top of your priority list. Meanwhile those on top suffer!

Where will there be time for a relationship with God?

When will I see my wife? Who will comfort her? A quote I read once stated that, "A man's greatness can be measured by the countenance of his wife." Ouch, enough said.

The new world challenges our ability to know and travel and help and be there--so much so that we feel guilty when we have to say, "I'm sorry, but I can't.”

Just like JB Holmes, the question lingers in all our lives, what will we do next?

But all the opportunities in the new world can lead to burnout and depression if we cannot bring ourselves to say it: "I'm sorry, but I can't."

So pray. Prioritize your life. And let the rest go. Cast your cares upon the God who will provide for His people--maybe even without you this time!

--

Marcus Jones

February 28, 2006

Copyright 2006 Links Players International

The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.