‘…If [you]…overdrive them…[they] will die.’ GENESIS 33:13 KJV
After being reconciled with his long-estranged brother Esau, Jacob agreed to accompany him back home for a celebration. Esau, who was a fast-tracker, said, ‘…Let us go…’ (12 NKJV). But Jacob said, ‘…You go on ahead!…’ He explained to his brother, ‘…The children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me…if the men should drive them hard…the flock will die…I will lead on slowly at a pace…the livestock…and the children, are able to endure…’ (13-14 NKJV). Jacob had great insight. He understood that if you push too hard and take on too much you can lose not only your business, but your family. There’s an important lesson here. In your quest to achieve, stay in balance! There must be a time for work and a time for rest; a time for your career and a time for your relationships. The words, ‘To love and to cherish’, mean you are married to your spouse, not your job! When it comes to your home life, your character and your spiritual walk, evolution is not the natural order. What you leave unattended deteriorates. Dr. John Maxwell shared the following prayer with his friends at a recent birthday party: ‘Lord, as I grow older I think I want to be known as…thoughtful rather than gifted, loving versus quick or bright, gentle versus powerful, a listener more than a great communicator, available rather than a hard worker, sacrificial instead of successful, reliable not famous, content more than driven, self-controlled rather than exciting, generous instead of rich, compassionate more than competent.’ And that’s a prayer you should pray too!
Bible In A Year: 2 Chr 29-31, John 12:37-50, Ps 102:18-28
