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Crisis Mode
By Bill Hybels
A few years ago, Lynne and I were living in a constant "crisis
mode" - just above the point of total exhaustion. I realized I was "skimming" in life. To make energy available to keep my ministry afloat, I began to
skim relationally, emotionally and spiritually.
When you're living in crisis mode, your spiritual life becomes a cry for
God to help you sustain the treadmill of activity for yet another day. This
is dangerous spiritually because you don't have time to reflect or to worship
properly. You don't have time to confess your sins deeply. Pretty soon you're
involved in mechanical Christianity.
If you're devoted to getting out of crisis-mode living, you'll be willing
to make some difficult changes. I have a close friend who requested a demotion
at work. It meant a huge financial loss but now his weekends are free, and
he leaves the office at four o'clock instead of seven. He has his walk with
Christ back. His marriage is growing. He's growing in his relationship with
his kids. Those trade-offs may cost you dearly, but they become non-issues
when you consider the reasons why you're making the adjustment.
Marriage Builders
•How would you characterize your lifestyle?
•What changes - even drastic ones - might be necessary to maintain your priorities as a spouse and parent?
Passage for the day: Exodus 33:12-23
Verse for the day: Exodus 33:14
Additional Scripture Readings: Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 62:1,5; Psalm 91:1
Taken from the Couples' Devotional Bible - New International Version, published by Zondervan. Used by permission.
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Copyright © 1999 by the author or Christianity Today International. For reprint information call 630-260-6200.
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