I am in danger of ‘burn out.’ Three decades of preaching and pastoral care has left me a little frayed at the edges! Any work that includes ongoing care for people’s needs can eat away at the core of the caregiver. Pastors are not exempt from the exhaustion that can come when they must help people work through emotional and spiritual needs that never end. I have seen more than a few pastors reach my age and let it all get to them. Some quit and find another way to pay their bills. Others become ineffective and detached. A few fall into sinful behavior. As I prayed about staying in the race, the Spirit reminded me that avoiding burn out is less about taking a vacation than it is about renewal of vision!
The power of vision is simply amazing. When a person says, ‘life must be different,' and then begins to think about HOW to achieve that difference, he is vision-eering! (Thank you, Andy Stanley!) Some visions are worthy, others are not; but all are powerful! The most mundane work takes new meaning if the worker knows why he does it. IF can see HOW the little things we do fit into some grander plan, steady progress is made. We are guided by something or Someone bigger than ourselves.
Education is an example. A young woman who has a vision to serve her world effectively endures 6 years of reading text after text, writing paper after paper, and sitting through boring lectures because she knows that the knowledge acquired and the degrees she earns are the foundation needed for her calling. The endless days as a student become meaningful ONLY in light of the goal for life. That's vision-- and the power of that vision will set our course and keep us steady on!
But, not all visions are true or worthy. Visions must be tested, measured by a standard to see if they are worthy of our investment. How can we be sure that we are giving ourselves to a goal that is worth living for?
First, vision must be shaped by the will of God. A vision that disregards God's will is worse than unworthy. It is sinful. In Luke 12, Jesus told a story about a man whose hard work paid off richly. The man’s vision was clear. “Take life easy. Eat. Drink. Be merry.” Jesus did not condemn the man's work nor his wealth. He challenged the man's vision which was selfish. It was an unworthy vision! Jesus concludes his story saying, "A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:21, NLT)
Second, vision must be anchored. While vision must be fresh, it need not be novel! A keen visionary is inspired by those who lived worthy lives before him. The best visionaries have a working knowledge of the past from which they courageously launch into the future. Paul tells us that we all build on a common foundation, Christ Jesus. Our vision is best when it includes a rich appreciation of those who have laid the foundation on which we now build. But visionaries cannot be captive of either the successes or failures of the past. Paul says that "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3.13-14 Paul did not intend us to understand that he was throwing away all the lessons he had learned. He is urging us to lay down the weight of yesterday's sins and to stop trying to relive yesterday's glories, so that we can discover the wonderful Will of God for life TODAY!
Third, vision must be bigger than what we can accomplish by ourselves or with our own resources. If our vision is too small, we will out-grow it, out-live it, or come early to a sense of futility.
So…. What do you see?
… about the core purpose of your life?
… for your children's future?
… about finding a way to honor God in what you do as your daily work?
… about bringing Jesus and His Kingdom into your sphere of influence?
Jesus, as He stood on a road in Samaria, challenged his disciples to re-consider their assumptions about life and possibilities. He said, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true." (John 4:34-37, NLT)
OPEN YOUR EYES and LOOK at the fields! Becoming visionary is hard work. Implementing and maintaining vision is harder still. However, without vision we quickly become mired in mediocrity, become a burnt-out shell, and the work of God goes undone.
_______________
O Lord our Lord,
How majestic is Your name.
Your words are true,
Your mercy does not change.
All Your promises are precious,
Reviving our faith.
Every one of them
Will be fulfilled one day.
We will run,
We'll run and not grow weary.
We will rise upon the eagle's wings.
In the presence of the Lord,
Our spirits will soar,
Till we one day gaze upon our King.
Oh all Your promises
Are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus.
Your promises are true.
All Your promises
Are "Yes" and "Amen" Lord Jesus,
We'll keep running after You.
All Your Promises
Smith, Andrew
© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
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