The Hope QuotientSample

Years ago, I was hired to put on a national leadership conference. For the first session, I introduced Jim Burns, a twenty-year ministry veteran and author of forty books. Suddenly I realized the packed house included every big shot in the whole organization. I thought Jim Burns had better be great.

Jim opened his mouth and I sank in my chair. He said, “Fifteen years ago, I had an affair…but it was not with another woman.” I thought, I am so fired.

Jim continued, “I almost lost my marriage, my kids, my ministry, and it almost wrecked my health. I had an affair—with my career.”

I straightened up. Then Jim delivered one of those great statements you never forget. He said, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy because it has the same effect.”

I thought, Jim, you just saved a whole lot of people’s jobs and marriages. 

When we are overloaded or overcommitted, we sacrifice family closeness, end up less productive, and worst of all, we end up out of touch with God and everybody in our lives. In other words, we lose hope. 

How do we know when it’s happening? Here are some spiritual vital signs.

• Emotions - Has your heart been touched recently by joy, pain, gratitude, or love? Have you really laughed lately? A healthy heart is fully aware of deep emotion.
• Moments—Are you present or preoccupied? Ask your spouse, children, or friends if you’re “all there” when you’re with them.
• Fun—Do you set aside time for enjoyment? When was the last time you really had fun?
• People—How is your heart for people? Do you feel genuine compassion for people who are hurting? Or have people become a nuisance, a tool, or an interruption?
• Divine Direction—How long has it been since you heard the still, small voice of God? How aware are you of the presence of God? 

One of the first signs of a hardening heart is a deafened ear to the quiet promptings of God.

Think Up:

“No one ever said on their deathbed, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’” What does this popular saying mean to you?

Are you out of balance with your relationships, work, or volunteering? (Read on).