I saw a sign at a gas station while I was traveling this past week that encouraged me to “Stop gunky build up.” It made me think about instances when I’ve had to deal with gunky build up in my life. For me gunky build up occurs when I let less important stuff squeeze out the real priorities in my life. Maybe you’ve experienced this as well.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that I can’t afford to take a break and rest. The reality is that I’m far less effective in my family and leadership roles when I’m tired and grumpy.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll spend quality time with my wife at the end of the day after everything else is done. The reality is that the last things on my priority list rarely get done.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll get to the big projects after I knock out the more routine tasks. The reality is that there will always be other routine tasks to complete.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that the more I do the more valuable I am to the team. The reality is that I’m not being effective if I’m busy doing the wrong things.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that the little problem I have isn’t jeopardizing my leadership. The reality is that most times everyone else is already being impacted by my little problem.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to correct every false statement and negative comment. The reality is that many times those faint voices become a distraction when I draw attention and make them loud.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that goals will be accomplished without a plan if I’m just patient and faithful. The reality is that most goals worth pursuing require counsel and strategy and hard work and commitment.
- Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to jump at a good opportunity. The reality is that someone will always have a good
opportunity for me to pursue, and many times those good opportunities squeeze out time and energy to fulfill a great mission and calling.
Do you know what I’m talking about? Have you dealt with similar cases of gunky build up? I’m still trying to learn how to deal with this, but along the way I’ve also learned some preventive maintenance that helps clean up my engine. Here are some things I’ve learned I need to do to degunkify my life:
- Schedule my week in advance including scheduling time to work on major projects.
- Prioritize time with my wife.
- Surround myself with friends who will push back when needed.
- Stay disciplined about my faith, my exercise and my eating habits.
- Learn to say no.
- Decide in advance what I hope to accomplish.
By the way, gunk shows up in my personal life from time to time, but I’ve also seen it in ministries and other organizations. Sometimes, as an example, gunk comes in the form of ministry programming and events. Good programs get added on and added on to the point that they squeeze out what’s most effective in helping people take steps in their faith. Or, worse yet, ministry programming and events become so numerous that they start competing against each other. Gunk is bad for people, but it’s also bad for churches.
So, is it time for you to stop the gunky build up in your life or in your ministry? Now is the time to do something about it. Don’t delay. And, don’t let yourself get in a funk because you’re unwilling to deal with your gunk.
Tony, thanks for the encouraging words! I think after this, we will ALL be doing some serious spring cleaning in our lives, not just our homes!
A word of encouragement to you…. There wasn’t one thing on your list that I don’t struggle with… Okay, I need to spend time with my husband, not my wife!
Jane
Great thoughts, Tony.
I find life to be a lot easier when I have friends who will push back. You can’t do life alone.
Not too long ago, someone wrote “Just because you are doing something worthwhile, doesn’t mean its what God wants you to do.” It’s still hard to say “no,” but its a start.
I woke up with some gunk in my eye today…..and thought of you.
Great post Tony…I’ll have to print this out to remind myself to refocus when life gets extra gunky…
I agree totally. Everyone should print this out and post it next to the coffee pot.
This is going on the wall beside my desk at church. Thank you for reminding me of these things that I know God wants to help me through.
This is what I needed to read today. “What am I not going to do?” is a question I think I need to ask more often than not. Thanks for the good ammo, bro!
I’ll post it above the showerhead. That way I can get rid of ALL of my gunky build up at the same time.
Now THAT’S efficient!
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Thank you for re-posting some of your earlier work. You have some very good thoughts on prioritizing. Thank you very much.