The lie of optimisation
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” — Matthew 6:19–20
‘Underneath human anxiety is the reversal of identity in which the finite attempts to be infinite... With our finite abilities, we want and try to control everything so we’re not controlled by anything.’ — Jackie Hill Perry
Is anyone else seeing more and more ‘optimisation’ content?
CEOs and influencers are sharing their morning routines, philosophies of work and the new supplements that will change your life!
People are optimising everything, seeking self-improvement through time management, habit stacking and extreme daily routines. This ‘optimisation mindset’ strives to make our lives the best they can be—the ‘optimal’ version.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with becoming more productive, or waking up at 5am to work out, journal and meal prep before work.
In fact, we’re called to wisely steward all that God has given us. It's good to use our time and resources to honour and glorify Him.
But in our broken and sinful world, we can easily twist this good responsibility into something that glorifies ourselves instead of God.
Don’t make a good thing a ‘god’ thing
We turn good things into ‘gods’ by valuing them too highly and looking to them to provide us with what only God can. When we rely on our own efforts to bring us peace, fulfilment and a good future, we’re putting ourselves in God's place.
A good desire to glorify God through productivity at work can turn into overworking in order to secure the ‘best’ life or an early retirement.
Our bodies are gifts from God that we should care for. But we can focus so much on health ‘optimisation’ that we live as though we are the ones in control of our health or lifespan.
We can become over-protective of our time or routines, prioritising our plans over God’s call to serve others. We might even be tempted to stop meeting with God’s people because it interrupts our sleep, exercise or wellness routines.
The easiest way to see whether control is becoming an idol in your life is to ask yourself:
How often do I say ‘no’ to serving God because it will interrupt my daily routine?
Do I feel stressed whenever things feel outside of my control?
Does my desire to make the most of my life lead to worrying about the future?
If these questions weigh heavy on your heart, fear not—there is hope.
We are limited—God is not
The antidote to control is to remember who God is and who He has made us to be.
God has designed us with good limitations so that we might depend on Him. Though we are limited and finite, we worship an infinite God who is always in control of all things.
No matter how productive, fit or ‘maxxed’ we are (check out Mike’s email from last week), we’ll never be able to rise above our limitations to find the life we’re looking for in our own strength.
God longs for us to depend on Him and not ourselves for all things—to bring all our worries, concerns and requests to Him in prayer.
In love, He numbers our days and holds our lives in His hand. He is always working for the eternal good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
God has limited us so that we might be free. Free from the oppressive anxiety that enslaves us when we try to optimise and control every element of our finite lives. Instead, we can humbly and wisely steward all that God has given us with the peace and freedom of knowing that He’s the one in control of our lives, not us.
It's hard to give up control. But our lives are in the hands of the God of the universe, who is sustaining and working all things for our good.
And, with the Spirit’s help, we can fix our eyes on eternity and reject the temptation to store up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19–20).
We can rest in our Father, the King of the universe, who will bring us into paradise to enjoy living in His presence forever.
Today, don’t feel pressured into living under the lie of optimisation: anxiously trying to control everything to find lasting life in this world or your body or your lifestyle, all of which are passing away.
Instead, rest in your Father, the King of the universe, who will bring you home to enjoy living in His presence forever.
Let go of control. Lay it down at the foot of the cross.
Trust in God, the only One who controls all things in infinite wisdom, love and power.
Store up treasure in Heaven: grow in Christlikeness, serve God and His people, and live to make Him known so that more people might know and enjoy being with Him forever.
With love,
Ruth