Avoid Burnout !
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Romans 12:11-12 MSG
Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, spoke these valuable words to Moses: What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. (Exodus 18: 17-18). One of the greatest temptations for a spiritual leader is to be so consumed with God’s work that you burn to ashes. God is more concerned with what is done in us than what we do for Him. He often fulfills His purpose with us much better when we are in a state of inactivity than in times of much work.
Jesus, who did more ministry than most humans, regularly retreated to decompress and recharge. According to the Gospels, Jesus’ retreats took on three different environments. First, He retreated near water” (Mark 3:7). Second, He retreated to a mountain: (Mark 6:46). Third, He retreated to a desert (Luke 5:16).
The God of the universe built these three spaces into His creation to allow humans to restore, recharge, and renew themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But the trick is to intentionally find time to retreat. Never set yourself on fire to keep others warm. Set your intention to withdraw to a solitary place regularly to recharge and reboot and turn your focus right.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin