“To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.” Matthew 25:15
Capacity is the ability Christ gives me to carry out His commands. And capacity varies from person to person. Some people can get by on five to six hours of sleep while I require seven to eight. Where I get out of balance is when I compare my capacity with someone of greater capacity. Indeed, capacity is meant to provide guardrails, not guilt.
So how can we use our capacity to our advantage instead of our disadvantage? How can we understand our limitations and trust the Lord with the results? It starts by being honest about how God has made us. If we can only execute with excellence one project at a time, then we limit ourselves to one. If we only have the time, money and love for two children, then we accept this as the responsible decision. Honesty about capacity is freeing for parents.
But isn’t there a way to build capacity at work, home and in relationships? Yes indeed! As you remain faithful with the small responsibilities, the Lord and others can trust you with additional tasks. When you manage a small amount of money on a budget, you can be trusted with more resources to steward as well. When you treat one individual with a full compliment of grace and truth, you build relational capacity for more quality friendships.
Furthermore, you are over capacity when cash in your bank account is overdrawn, or you have written a relational check your emotions can’t cash. Therefore, monitor your capacity in prayer before Jesus. Ask Him for courage to say no to something new, so you can say yes to current obligations. Like lifting weights, you can increase your mental, emotional, financial and relational capacity--but it takes time, focus and discipline.
The Lord has unlimited capacity for empathy, wisdom and character. So go to Him for your character capacity building. Make sure your character capacity keeps up with your success and you will be able to handle success. Does your heart have the same capacity for humility, as your mind does for truth? So, build capacity around Christ’s gifts to you.
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you” (2 Corinthians 10:12-13).
What capacities do I have that Christ wants to grow? Who do I need to say no to?
Related Readings: Job 15:18; Psalm 147:5; John 3:34; 1 Corinthians 10:23
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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