Quit Overfunctioning

Intro:Millie’s Mother’s Red Dress

Overfunctioning happens when we do for others what they can and should do for themselves.

It prevents people - including themselves - from growing up.

Overfunctioning Inventory:

Five Consequences of Overfunctioning:

Overfunctioning Breeds Resentment (Luke 10)

Martha is angry and resentful—especially at her sister Mary.

Martha is too angry to enjoy Jesus herself.

It appears Martha overfunctioning is wrapped in caring for the needs of others.

She loses sight of herself and the purpose of her hard work.

Martha confuses caring about someone with having to take care of them.

Do you think that is easy to do?

What is the difference between caring about someone and taking care of them?

Story of Jerri and her 2 different dinner guests

Luke 10:41–42 NLT

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Overfunctioning Perpetuates Immaturity (Exodus 18:17-18)

Exodus 18:17–18 NLT

17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

Moses was the main obstacle preventing healthy growth and maturity in his people.

Do you ever find yourself doing the same thing?

Do we really love well when we do these things?

To step away from what others can and should do for themselves may seem harsh, but it is actually a loving act.

Overfunctioning Prevents you from focusing on your life’s calling (John 17:4)

John 17:4 NLT

4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

What is God’s call on your life?

Are you fulfilling that call?

When we are focused too much on others we are easily sidetracked from the unique calling God has placed on you.

When we overfunction in service to others, we often underfunction for ourselves.

Overfunctioning Erodes Your Spiritual Life (Luke 10:40)

Luke 10:40 NLT

40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

Martha’s overfunctioning prevented her from experiencing Christ’s presence in that moment

What else do we see in Martha that affects a person’s spiritual life?

Resentment

When we cross the line and put ourselves in charge of running God’s world for Him, we enter into dangerous territory, the very rebellion of our ancestors—Adam and Eve.

*Sabbath

God invites us to take responsibility for our own lives and not be overresponsible for others.

Are you able to accept God’s weekly invitation to stop and rest, knowing He is capable of running the world without you for at least one day in seven?

Overfunctioning Destroys Community (Numbers 11:15)

Numbers 11:15 NLT

15 If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”

The community atmosphere became so toxic that Moses despaired of life.

According to Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

when people function properly according to God’s design, what do we experience?

What do we experience when we overfunctioning or underfunction are present?

dissension, conflict, blaming, anger, despair, helplessness

Breaking Free

Admit you are overfunctioning

I’m the only one who can do this right.

Its just easier if I do it myself.

I’m afraid of their reaction if I ask them to do more.

Change the system

*even the smallest change can feel cataclysmic—like you’ve unleashed an earthquake.

Prepare for chaos

Stand firm