Several months ago, I was visiting another community and enjoying a walk with my wife, Emily, when we came to this intersection. I’ve never heard the audible voice of God speaking to me, so this is about as close as it gets. It was a huge reminder that if I’m going to experience all that is good about being on “Margin Street,” it begins by obeying the “STOP” sign.
Margin is a choice. We all have limited hours in each day. Every one of us, including those with bosses, still get to determine how the vast majority of those hours are used. Frankly, I’ve learned that not having a boss increases the demand on my time. And maybe that’s why the STOP sign at the intersection of Margin Street caught my attention.
God designed for us to STOP, and he’s modeled it from the very beginning:
“So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” –Genesis 2:1-3 (NLT)
In my parents’ generation, money was the status symbol. Money was the sign of success. In my generation, “busy” is the new status symbol. If you’re not busy, you’re not successful. That’s a cultural lie. You can’t buy happiness, and you certainly can’t get it by adding one more commitment to the calendar.
This concept of obeying the STOP sign is very similar to the principle of tithing. When we tithe financially, we give the first portion of our resources back to God. As Emily and I have practiced tithing through the years, we’ve always been amazed at how God has always provided more than enough for us to live on. Tithing isn’t a get-rich-quick trick. In financial terms, it doesn’t make sense. But as we give money back to God, there always seems to be plenty of money available for us to live life.
I’ve found that practicing the STOP works the same way. When I shutdown a day each week to practice a Sabbath, God somehow provides more than enough time for me to get everything done. It’s as if my time magically gets multiplied. In God’s economy, more work doesn’t always mean more reward.
Are you feeling tired and worn out? Are you lacking motivation to carry out God’s call? Are your wife, kids and friends getting your leftovers? If so, you very likely need more margin in your life, and you aren’t going to find that if you’re not willing to STOP.
