Here is the paradox: Whenever we are faithful to our part, we run the danger of eclipsing God’s part. Stewardship of our giftings and a commitment to excellence rightfully require that we work as if a lot depended on us, but our hearts must counter-intuitively go the other direction. “Apart from me you can do nothing,” Jesus continues to remind us. How do we maintain such a poverty of spirit? The answer lies outside the boundaries of either productive study techniques or good personal life management.