The Dangers of Doing Too Much

We live in an on the go, hustle & bustle type society. Busyness is applauded and constant activity is desired. We feel that our activity levels reflect our success in life, but I need you to know that is not always the case. Busyness is often a thief of God’s best for us.

The Dangers of Doing Too Much

1. Doing Too Much Limits Effectiveness

I am personally experiencing the effects of doing too much. We often commit to doing too much out of fear. Fear that we aren’t doing enough, fear that we won’t make it unless we do that, fear that we aren’t enough. Anytime that fear is a motive for action, we must check ourselves.

Everything we do must be done in faith.

Regardless of the reason why we find ourselves doing too much, we must realize that doing too much will limit our effectiveness in one particular area. For instance, I’m finding that as I’ve committed to doing too much, I’m spending less time writing and doing the thing that I know God has called me to. When I do sit to write, I find myself a little rusty as opposed to when I’m constantly writing and it just easily flows out of me.

When we’re doing too much, we end up spending much time getting back into the swing of things, regaining our focus; as opposed to staying focused and building momentum in the right direction.

I often think of Michael Jordan when I think of focus. Consider if he had dibbled and dabbled in this and that, as opposed to solely focusing on basketball. No doubt, it would have made a difference in his level of performance. He provides us all an example of remaining focused and excelling.

2. Doing Too Much Causes Stress

Doing too much is a sure way of sucking the joy out of your life. I’m reminded of the scene with Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10. Martha chose to do too much and she was stressed. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and she was serene. We, likewise, have choices to make. Will we choose the world’s way, or will we exercise faith and choose Jesus, trusting Him to provide for us and lead us to all that He has for us?

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
– Matthew 6:30-33

3. Doing Too Much Causes Confusion

The more things you throw yourself into, the more likely you are to be confused about what you really need to be doing. I’m a firm, firm believer that God created each of us for a unique purpose. He gifted us all with talents and abilities that we are to use to glorify Him (lift Him up), and serve others.

Oftentimes, we haven’t sought after our purpose in God so we end up living frustrated, mediocre, unfulfilled lives. Not having a sense of purpose causes us to live without a compass. We’re not really sure where we’re going, what we’re supposed to be doing, nor do we even know what our talents are. These factors lead to confusion, causing us to get involved with issues and situations that aren’t apart of God’s purpose for our lives.

Now, let me be clear, God is great and though we may get involved in issues that aren’t His will for us, HE WILL STILL USE IT FOR GOOD (Romans 8:28). For this reason, we don’t have to carry the guilt or the bitterness, but instead we can make a decision today to seek Him and His will for us above all. If we do that, with diligence and faith, He will answer us.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
– Jeremiah 29:11-13

Allow the Lord to lead you into purpose.

Allow Him to lead you down the path that He has for you. Don’t get caught up in doing too much, thinking that you have to make it all happen. Trust Him (Proverbs 3:5). Rest in Him (Psalm 37:7). Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4).

With love,