"How's Your Bandwidth?"

Just the other day, a busy professional at church lamented to me in our conversation, “I’m not sure I have the bandwidth to take on another responsibility right now!” I wanted to interrupt, “How did I not get the memo on this?” I fashion myself as a humble writer and wordsmith and I am always on the lookout for another new word. Yet, I had just heard a word that I thought I knew used in a completely different way!

Fiber Optic Technology
Credit: freepik.com

This is not the first time that I have been blindsided about the “definitional drifting” of certain words. I remember several years ago how a college-aged son had asked me, “Dad, do you know what “issues” are?” I answered, “I think so. Like political or social issues in society?” “No,” he replied. “I mean like she or he has issues! You know, as in personal, psychological issues.” I could only reply, “Well, that’s interesting. I haven’t heard it used like that!”

Well, thanks to that businessman, I now have another word, bandwidth, to add to my vocabulary! Since the pandemic of 2020, I have been keenly aware that our household could use some additional bandwidth to carry Zoom, Webex, or Google Teams group meetings. I have blamed our lack of bandwidth on my neighbors who work remotely. Thankfully, we are accessing much faster download speeds since our Internet provider upgraded to fiber optics technology!

My question is “How’s your bandwidth?” And I mean, relative to the budgeting of your time as you expend it for family, work, church, and community commitments. Using that word again, do you feel that you are overcommitted? Are you so busy juggling your schedule that you have little time for anyone or for yourself these days? We used to refer to this as “being spread too thinly!” Now, we can use the idea of “lack of bandwidth” to describe our dilemma!

Moses had a shortage of bandwidth in his day. He had led God’s people out of slavery in Egypt and now was navigating a group of anxious and complaining Israelites as they wandered in the Sinai wilderness. Jethro, his wise father-in-law, would help Moses to refocus by recommending that he delegate responsibilities. Jethro instructed, “Select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders… They should be available to solve the people’s disputes… They will help you carry the load, making it easier for you.” (Exodus 18:21-22, NLT).

The Apostles faced a similar situation in the first century as the new church was expanding exponentially in greater numbers. There was some grumbling about unfair treatment. “So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We should be spending our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.’” (Acts 6:2-3, NLT). This is another example of delegation and shared ministry!

Every busy family today knows the challenge of managing bandwidth and the need to share chores and responsibilities. It is easy for many of these highly productive "responsibility holders" to become frazzled with the demands of everyday life in managing home, work, and other commitments. Too often, these family members are picking up more than their share! And as they do, they fall further into the perilous pit of overcommitment!

The solution is to spread out the responsibilities among others. The byproduct is often the development of confidence and leadership skills among others throughout the household! Here’s some healthy self-talk… Say “no” more often to things that can be delegated and say “yes” to what you are better at doing. This will create space in your schedule to focus on your priorities, prevent burnout, and experience peace of mind and rest in your spirit.

Let’s be productive at work and continue to add value to others as we learn to live within the limits of our own bandwidth!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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Serve by Design. mjkministries.com

 

 

 

  

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