Why are you always so busy?

Whenever I hear pastors brag about being busy, I sense that something is wrong. I’ve heard pastors talk about a good work ethic, getting in to the office earlier and working more hours than the average person in the church. I believe in a good work ethic, but I don’t think it’s smart to outdo others in being driven. It’s easy to justify working harder than a workaholic, and that sounds noble to some. To me it’s like trying to out-drink an alcoholic. I read this story in Sacred Rhythms today:

John, a young pastor in Denver, told me about a recent conversation he had with a businessman in his congregation. “Why are you always so busy?” the businessman asked. John, thinking his parishioner was looking for an accounting of his time, started to relate all the things he did that kept him constantly on the run – church commitments, committee meetings, family and friends, involvement in the community. The list was endless. “No, no,” the businessman exclaimed. “That’s not what I meant. Why are you so busy all the time? Don’t you think God wants you to model a different way of life?”

I love that last paragraph.