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Day 5: Available & Interruptible Pt. 2

In the previous devo, we talked about how Jesus was available and interruptible. I also think Jesus was, perhaps, a bit selective about who he gave his time, energy, and attention to. I do not think the healthy and proper response to Jesus being available and interruptible is, “Alright, I’ll let anyone and everyone interrupt me and I’ll give my entire attention to anyone who asks for it.”

Jesus was all-knowing and so he was very aware of the motive behind why people wanted his attention. He knew the Pharisee’s motives. He engaged with them, but he did not spend all of his time, and energy, and attention with them.
 
Not every interruption is necessarily divinely appointed. In our lives, there may be people who try to abuse our time, energy, and attention. Perhaps the most loving thing you could do for an attention seeker is to not give in to their unhealthy tendencies or dependencies, and instead learn to say no for their sake and for yours.
 
If you find yourself feeling stuck in an interruption, ask yourself:
 
Can someone else handle this situation?
Am I in a good place (emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically) to engage with this person?
Am I doing this just to please them?
 
Read 1 Corinthians 15:33, Matthew 22:34-46
 
Questions to consider:
Is there anyone in my life who has become too dependent on me or is taking advantage of me? How can I have healthy, loving boundaries with this person?
 
Prayer
Jesus, help me to love the people in front of me well. Give me discernment and wisdom on what interruptions are opportunities from you, and what interruptions I cannot handle. Give me the strength to say no. God, I am not the Provider, you are. Please provide for those in my life and do the work that I cannot. 

 
By Hayley Hanford, GPC Area Coordinator