Bob Roberts, a pastor friend of mine, shared a quote that resonates with me: "Burn brightly but don’t burn out."
I like those words because I often run at too many RPMs in ministry. And I don't say, "no" enough. I often find myself doing good things but not the best things. I end up doing a kind of psuedo-ministry. It's just busy-ness. And, then, I get overly tired and find that I'm not as available to God and His people for true ministry as I should be. And when I'm on the verge of burn out, I get emotionally irritable, personally impulsive, and spiritually lazy.
Paul Powell is a 73 year old pastor who developed some wise self-talk to help him do ministry in a way that protected him from burn out. These are words I need to say to myself frequently.
1. I am not invincible. I can get sick and grow weary and sin. Therefore, I must be careful.
2. I am not immortal. I am going to die. Therefore, I must be responsible.
3. I am not indispensable. The Kingdom keeps going without me. Therefore, I must be humble.
4. I am not an island. I need friends around me. Therefore, I must be accountable.
"Burn brightly, but don't burn out." What does God need to change in your life to make sure that happens?
I often say "yes" when I should say "no" and I often pay a high price. Thank you for putting things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteI am not the only person who could do this job, and I may be stealing others opportunity to shine by always saying "yes".