Guarding margin to invest in what matters most

"Jesus praying alone very early in the morning,

while it was still dark, in a solitary place."

Mark 1:35

Guarding Margin to Invest in What Matters Most

In a world of noise, speed, and nonstop demands, margin isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. As we learned in MD5, spiritually speaking, margin is the space we create in our lives to hear God’s voice, love our families well, and faithfully steward what only we can do. Without it, we drift. With it, we thrive.

Jesus Modeled Margin

As we saw in Tyranny of the Urgent (Hummel), He often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Mark 1:35). He wasn’t hurried, even when the crowds pressed in. Why? Because He knew His mission, prioritized His time, and made space to abide in the Father’s will. As men called to follow Christ, we must do the same.

What Margin Actually Is

Margin isn’t just about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most. That’s where the Top 5% comes in: the roles and relationships that only you can fulfill. Remember, you’re the only husband your wife has. The only father your kids will ever know. The only you that can walk with God on your behalf. When we pack our schedules too tight, these priorities often suffer first.

That’s why we must ruthlessly eliminate hurry and build guardrails around our time. Margin gives us the breathing room to live with clarity, not chaos; intentionality, not reaction. It allows us to love deeply, lead well, and live with eternity in view.

Your Challenge

Ask yourself today: Is my life so full that I’m crowding out what matters most? Maybe it’s time to slow down, realign, and reclaim the margin you need to thrive. Your Top 5% is worth it!

Steve Crawley

MD5 Facilitator