How do you know when you’re doing too much?

The question is: Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), but how do you know when you’re doing too much?

There are several things that need to be addressed when examining this question.  The first thing is our motives. Why are you doing what you are doing? People do things for various reasons, but here are a few popular ones:

• “I’m doing it because I want others to know what a good person I am.”  Luke 18:19 says “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.”
• “I was taught that you have to do good in order for God to accept you” Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.”
• “If I don’t do these things for others, I feel guilty.” Romans 8:1 states “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus“.
• “I feel bad about myself unless I’m helping other people.” We need to know who we are in Christ and reject the lies of the enemy.
• “I feel used but I don’t know how to tell others no.”  Establishing healthy boundaries allow us the freedom to say no without feeling guilty.

Our circumstances should not determine our level of faith.  Our faith should impact how we address our circumstances.  For those of us who are work-a-holics, wealth is difficult to enjoy if you’re given up health in the process.  The goal in balancing work and life should be God first, family second, career third.  Make time for the things that matter most.