For the last 35 years the problem of burn out has been a front burner issue. I wrote and gave lectures about the problem back in 1984. The problem with talking about burn out is that it was/is only a symptom for a true problem that has its root in a serious spiritual problem most often defined as disillusionment. In simple terms, “I am not getting what I expected from my efforts,” whatever the efforts may entail.
The denial of expectations may be related to marriage, children, parents, work, or just life in general. My point is based on Jacobs extra hard seven years of work for the devious father of Rachel, which was legal but not right. Notice how Jacob avoided burn out: Genesis 29:20, “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.”
When burn out takes over, a few days will seem like seven years and you can bet the love fire isn’t burning bright!
This is true in our service for Christ. When serving becomes drudgery, check the love level and you will find you need a fresh infusion of love for Jesus and His people. If human love for a girl can/did motivate Jacob, than divine love can keep your soul on fire for Christ.
For many years I have used and read often this little dittie about our life with Jesus, “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Just the other day I came across the origin of the saying and it says even more. I will give the author’s name at the end.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
C.T Studd
Charles Thomas Studd was an Englishman and a great Cricket player who, upon the call of Christ, walked away from that career to serve Jesus with such deep love that he gave away his large inheritance. Reading his life story is time well spent. Most preachers at some point use another of his sayings, "Some wish to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell; I want to run a Rescue Shop within a yard of hell."
Missionary Studd served Christ in China, India and Africa with honor. There is no record of his burning out in the modern sense. Of course he followed God’s clear plan of resting awhile and giving some care for health. But the Love of Christ constrained him, kept him in the right frame of mind and heart to serve with gusto!
To be consumed of the fire of Christ does not result in burn out. We simply love Christ and let the little light shine until He snuffs out our candle and takes us home.
Copyright © 2015 Larry Lilly
For very good IT work check Oral Deckard
The denial of expectations may be related to marriage, children, parents, work, or just life in general. My point is based on Jacobs extra hard seven years of work for the devious father of Rachel, which was legal but not right. Notice how Jacob avoided burn out: Genesis 29:20, “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.”
When burn out takes over, a few days will seem like seven years and you can bet the love fire isn’t burning bright!
This is true in our service for Christ. When serving becomes drudgery, check the love level and you will find you need a fresh infusion of love for Jesus and His people. If human love for a girl can/did motivate Jacob, than divine love can keep your soul on fire for Christ.
For many years I have used and read often this little dittie about our life with Jesus, “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Just the other day I came across the origin of the saying and it says even more. I will give the author’s name at the end.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
C.T Studd
Charles Thomas Studd was an Englishman and a great Cricket player who, upon the call of Christ, walked away from that career to serve Jesus with such deep love that he gave away his large inheritance. Reading his life story is time well spent. Most preachers at some point use another of his sayings, "Some wish to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell; I want to run a Rescue Shop within a yard of hell."
Missionary Studd served Christ in China, India and Africa with honor. There is no record of his burning out in the modern sense. Of course he followed God’s clear plan of resting awhile and giving some care for health. But the Love of Christ constrained him, kept him in the right frame of mind and heart to serve with gusto!
To be consumed of the fire of Christ does not result in burn out. We simply love Christ and let the little light shine until He snuffs out our candle and takes us home.
Copyright © 2015 Larry Lilly
For very good IT work check Oral Deckard
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