Honoring Your Capacity and the Capacity of Others

Real Dudes,
In Matthew 9:37-38 (CSB) we read the following…

• 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”

This passage reminds us of getting involved in something that has urgency to it. It reminds us that the workers are few, and the prayer is for more to get involved, which all of us should already be involved in spreading the Gospel message to a lost and dying world anyway. This task ought to be the priority in our lives. 

What about tasks and events that don’t hold even close to the same level of urgency…that don’t have eternal value to them? When confronted with these tasks what should our response be? Should we drop everything we’re doing to get involved since they seem desperate for workers? Possibly…it just depends on what else you have going on in your life. If your schedule has some gaps in it and you’re not too involved in other areas, then sure. But if your plate is spilling over the edges, then learn to honor your capacity and kindly refuse the opportunity…that decision will be healthy for you in many ways. 

One author states that, “Honoring your capacity means recognizing how much you can do and feel good about yourself, and not overextending yourself. It's important to honor your capacity because it helps you make the best decisions for yourself, and it can prevent burnout.
Here are some ways to honor your capacity: 

• Set boundaries: Say no when you need to, and don't overcommit. 
• Make time for yourself: Schedule time for rest, recovery, and activities that bring you joy. 
• Let go of expectations: Don't compare yourself to others, and try not to judge yourself. 
• Communicate your needs: Let people know where you're at, and use a communication tool to express your needs. 
• Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with kindness, and support yourself in other areas of your life. 
• Learn from [your] mistakes: When you make a poor choice, remember it's an opportunity to learn and grow.” 

Another author asks, “What are you willing to do to honor your capacity? Here are 5 habits to help:

1. I create boundaries by saying no more than I say yes.
2. I allow more time than I think is needed-for everything!
3. I let go of comparing, expecting, judging or shoulding [this is unneeded, self inflicted pressure and expectations of what you feel you should do or be]—on myself.
4. I time-block my sleep, rest and recovery activities first to support my capacity.
5. When I forget, get lost, or make a poor choice, I remember it’s my opportunity to grow and learn about myself and my capacity.” https://dianesieg.com/5habitstohonoryourcapacity/ 

Men, are you experiencing burnout? What boundaries have you set, or do you need to set, in order to honor your capacity? 
If someone asked you to volunteer working at a school or community event, what would your response be? Would you jump at the opportunity to help play your part in a community-wide effort (nothing wrong with doing so if your schedule allows for it)? Would you jump at the opportunity as a way to promote yourself (“look at me and all that I’m involved in”)?

Now, in comparison, think of it this way…if someone asked you to serve at church what would your response be? If Jesus were face to face with you and said “the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few,” could He count on you to fill that gap, or would you be thinking of every excuse to get out of it, and then walk away from Him? Just a reminder from Matthew 28:20 that He is always with you. He is face to face with you even at this very moment. And He is commanding you to GO! How have you been responding to Him? What needs to change?

Because of my role and responsibilities at the Church that I serve as a Pastor at, I am often asking people to help serve or volunteer in different ministries throughout the church. I am always going out of my way to reassure them that telling me NO is ok. As I’m learning to honor my capacity – I too am encouraging others to do the same. I want their ultimate decision to be between them and God, rather than it feeling as though it’s a guilt trip from me. In doing so, I want to honor their capacity. 

Here’s where it’s between you and the Lord…what am I giving my time to? What is filling my calendar? Are these things important or just time-fillers? What is getting neglected that should be a priority to me? Have you ever spoken with God about your capacity level? How can you best honor your capacity, without neglecting the work He’s called you to?
I know that was a lot of questions, but hopefully it created a time of self-reflection. We want to be all that we can be for Him and His mission, but is that possible with the way we’re currently using our time? I’m praying that we won’t do things out of selfish ambition, that we won’t experience burnout, that we won’t neglect that which is most important, and that God will be honored because we chose to honor our capacity and the capacity of others. 

​Stay well-rested, and be ready to go when He calls on you. Long for – desire to give Him your everything in all that you do. All for His honor and glory!

Practicing His Presence,
Nate  ​