Living Radiant

In our fast-paced world, the concept of margin—making space for what truly matters—has become more crucial than ever. We often find ourselves running on empty, our calendars packed to the brim, leaving little room for rest, reflection, or meaningful connection. But what if there was a different way to live? What if we could embrace a lifestyle that's not just busy, but purposeful; not just full, but fulfilling?

The invitation to such a life comes from Jesus himself, who offers us a profound promise in Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT):
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
This passage isn't just a comforting verse; it's a roadmap to a radically different way of living. Let's unpack what it means to embrace a margin-filled life and how we can sustain it in the long run.

1. Accept the Ongoing Invitation of Jesus

The first step in living with margin is recognizing that it's not a one-time decision, but an ongoing invitation from Jesus. Every day, He calls us to come to Him with our weariness and burdens. This isn't about better time management techniques or productivity hacks. It's about a fundamental shift in how we approach our days.
Imagine starting each morning not with a to-do list, but with a to-be list. Instead of asking, "What do I need to accomplish today?" we could ask, "Who do I need to be in Christ today?" This simple shift can transform our perspective and priorities.
Creating margin begins with carving out quiet moments to connect with Jesus before we connect with anyone or anything else. It's like breathing—we can't just take one deep breath and hope it sustains us for the day. We need to continually inhale God's presence and exhale our burdens.

2. Walk at Jesus' Pace

When Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, He's not offering us a hammock for lazy afternoons. A yoke is a tool for partnership and a pace setter. By yoking ourselves to Jesus, we're agreeing to walk at His pace, letting Him set the rhythm of our lives.
Often, we get worn out not just by what we carry, but by how we carry it. When we race through life, we can easily outrun grace. But when we walk in step with Jesus, we stay aligned with His peace.
This might mean implementing a true Sabbath—a day set apart for rest, worship, and refreshment. It could also involve scheduling margin into our days just as intentionally as we schedule meetings. By doing so, we create space for God to work in unexpected ways.
Here's a challenging question to consider: In what areas of your life have you been rushing ahead of God? Where do you need to slow down and walk in step with Jesus?

3. Build Purpose into Your Patterns

Living with margin isn't just about having empty space in our calendars. It's about filling that space with purpose. Jesus doesn't promise to remove all responsibility from our lives, but He offers us a burden that's life-giving rather than soul-crushing.
Too often, we fill our lives with things we think we have to do, neglecting the things that truly matter. Jesus invites us to live for what's eternally significant. This requires intentionality and discernment.
Start by identifying your life themes: What values or callings has God placed on your heart? Build your schedule around these priorities. This might mean saying "no" to good things so you can say "yes" to God things. Remember, you can be busy doing church activities but miss out on living a kingdom life. The goal is to align your patterns with your God-given purpose.

4. Practice Margin as a Witness

In our overcommitted culture, a margin-filled life stands out. People notice when you're not constantly rushed, reactive, or burned out. Your peace becomes a powerful testimony to the difference Christ makes in a life.
Living with margin says, "I trust God to be enough. I don't have to prove my worth through constant activity." This countercultural approach to life can open doors for meaningful conversations and relationships.
Practically, this might look like leaving space in your day to be interruptible. It could mean freeing up your calendar not just for personal rest, but for mission and service opportunities. What if your sense of peace and rest became your most effective evangelistic tool? What if people were drawn to ask about your life because they noticed the distinctive quality of your rest?

Sustaining a Margin-Filled Life

Embracing margin isn't a one-time event; it's a lifestyle that requires ongoing commitment and intentionality. Here are some practical rhythms to help sustain this way of living:

1. Start each day with quiet reflection, coming to Jesus before coming to your to-do list.
2. Practice Sabbath weekly, guarding a full day for rest and worship.
3. Regularly assess your commitments, discerning which are life-giving and which are merely draining.
4. Build accountability with trusted friends who can help you maintain healthy boundaries.
5. Schedule margin into your days and weeks, treating it as important as any other commitment.

Remember, Jesus didn't die so we could keep grinding until we burn out. He died so we could truly live—in the freedom and fullness of God's presence. Living radiant isn't about doing more; it's about being with Jesus more. Margin isn't about less meaning; it's about less clutter, so the true meaning of our lives can shine through.
As we close, consider this challenge: This week, choose one margin-building rhythm and commit to it. Whether it's a daily quiet time, a weekly Sabbath, or simply pausing before you say "yes" to new commitments—start living with Jesus, not just for Him.

In a world that's constantly demanding more, embracing a margin-filled life is a radical act of faith. It's a declaration that we trust God's sufficiency more than our own striving. As we learn to walk at Jesus' pace, accept His ongoing invitation, and build purpose into our patterns, we'll discover a life that's not just full, but overflowing with the peace and purpose God intends for us.

May your life radiate the restful, purposeful presence of Christ as you embrace the margin-filled life He offers.