by Stanley J. Troyer
All Night-er
I attempted to pull off an all night-er to study for an exam as a freshman in college. I had heard how other students had used this method of preparation and achieved good results.
I began the evening studying with the help of coffee. I increased the coffee intact as the night progressed but my ability to concentrate and learn seemed to be minimal. In any case I managed to stay awake most of the night, sleeping only a few hours before the exam.
I began the day with a strange feeling in my body. Increasingly my brain was in a fog and by the time I began to write the exam I was a mess. The lack of sleep was doing strange things to me. Needless to say I did not do well on the exam and decided to never try it again.
The experience taught me to be sure to give my body adequate sleep in order for me to be at my best even though I may not be as prepared as I would like. I discovered that when I exceed my limits I pay a price.
I am not Superman. I don’t have a cape with the big S on the front. In fact we all have limits as human beings and when we cross those limits we pay a price and those around us also pay a price.
As human beings we are limited by time and space. Though I would like to be a Superman and rise above my limits I cannot. I can push myself to the edge of my limits and live without margin for short periods of time.
Jethro’s advice to Moses
“This is not good!” his father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out-and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself." Exodus 18:17-18 NLT
We are not told why Jethro decided to check in on his son-in-law. Perhaps he noticed that Moses was neglecting his family in favor of ministry. Or perhaps his daughter had shared that Moses was working long days and was not home much. In any case Jethro was God’s spokesperson, rescuing Moses from almost certain ministry burnout.
Living With Limits
There are at least two ways we are inclined to exceed our limits. The first is the limits that come with our bodies. For example trying to live with too little sleep or putting to much time into being productive and getting things done.
The other is the limits of our calling from God. This includes the gifts and abilities God gave us when God created us.
I may choose to live and minister inside my calling-doing the ministry that grows out of who I am. This results is fruitful living with the Fruit of Spirit in evidence in my life. Ministering out of the overflow of who I am.
At times I am tempted to give to others what I do not have. Usually this is led by ego and is my attempt to find significance and self worth in what I do rather than in who I am. My ego pushes me I to copy the ministry and success of others.
Jethro Visits You
Suppose your mother or father-in-law comes to visit and spends some time observing your life and ministry. The visit is prompted because of concern for you and your child(ren).
- You are presented with a list of your roles (make a list). Which are outside your God given calling and gifting
- Which are pushing you to live beyond the limits of being human (causing lack of sleep, recreation, time with family, God etc.)
- Is there anything else causing you to risk burnout?
Jethro continues with advice concerning what you should do.
Where does he put the focus?
- For which of the roles listed above should implement a Jethro plan?
- What will you do to ensure that you do not risk burnout?
Summary
Exceeding my God given limits will lead to restlessness, drivenness and panic. These are the opposite of the Fruit of the Spirit and lead to weariness and burnout. When we give to others what we do not have we harm ourselves and those around us.
However when we give out of who God has created us to be we are blessed and those receiving are also blessed. I believe we are most powerful in ministry when we live out of our calling and gifts.
Copyright © 2010 Stanley J Troyer & CRM
