Time-outs Part two

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Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you ; you are not able to perform it by yourself." Exodus 18:18

Jethro, Moses' father in law had made a visit to see Moses and observed that what he was doing, was far too much for him or any man. He felt Moses could be heading for Burnout unless something was done - quickly. He suggested that Moses choose men he could trust and allot them a portion of people each that they could take responsibility for. Moses was humble enough to heed this advice and he set this into action.

At times, we tend to take too much on and fail to see that what we are doing is over the top. Many of us have a job to go to each day and oftentimes, that in itself is demanding. On top of this, we tend to take on things within the church and that makes us feel good, because we have a feeling that we are doing something for God. Again, this is good. However, have we ever stopped and thought, 'Am I doing too much?' 

Many of us need to balance out the work that we take on. Within the church, it makes us feel wanted that God has called us to do something for Him. If He has called us to do a particular thing, He will help us balance it out that we don't get worn out and will give us the necessary time-outs. However, if He hasn't called us to do this particular thing, we are heading towards wearing ourselves out.

We can't do it all. There are many people who want to help out within a church family but don't really get the opportunity. Perhaps it would help to point these people out to leadership and enquire if it would be favourable to let them help out, in order to share the workload.

Some people say 'Yes' whenever they are asked to do something, and that is great. The problem is, it can be the same people doing it all and that is where the tiredness and imbalance can take affect. Sometimes it is right to say, 'No, I can't take on anymore at the moment.' It may not go down too well and you may suffer guilt for saying this, but common sense has to prevail.

Finally, a word for Pastors. Do you delegate, or do you try to do everything yourself because that way, you can be sure that it is done correctly? Again there are people who want to help and are longing for you to recognise their callings and talents. Don't sit on their ministry, delegate and give them the chance they're longing for. Perhaps, at one time, you may have felt this way too.

The main point is, we need to watch the Burnout factor and ensure that we don't take on too much. Is the speaking to you? Do you need to slow dow down a little? Do you need to prioritise in particular areas? Are there time-outs required in your life?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com