Preacher on the Run…

It’s a cool, gray, overcast morning as I write this. The sun has yet to come out. Unlike yesterday, being outside and walking around is not as inviting of an option today. The weeds on my patio are taking over. My grass needs cut. There is work still unfinished back on my desk. A major project at our house sits partially done. And with each passing day, the task list seems to get longer and the time in which to do it all shorter. When this feeling arises I have two options…

One option seems to be to simply hunker down, work harder, and push through. As I’ve seen others try that and attempt it myself, the end is rarely good. The person who tries harder is often rewarded initially, but over the long haul it can be exhausting and wear you out. The alternative is to become apathetic, lazy, and disengaged. This too doesn’t end well for the individual or those they may be trying to serve or lead. Yet this is what leadership is often about…pouring yourself out!

As anyone in leadership will tell you, serving others can be exhausting. The work is rarely perceived as being done, let alone actually being finished. Yet that is what leadership is, serving others by pouring yourself out. Unfortunately, pouring ourselves out can quickly turn into wearing ourselves out. This is distinction may be a fine distinction, but it’s an important one. Greg Phelan addresses the difference and gives some tips on “Pouring Yourself Out vs. Wearing Yourself Out“. I hope you enjoy it!

Which do you feel the pull toward more easily: pouring out or wearing out? Take a moment right now to reflect and ask yourself where you are at emotionally? Are you depleted and disengaged or are you depleted but passionate still? Do you have the motivation to step back into difficult but life-giving situations, or are you lacking all motivation for anything? How might what Greg suggests help give you some new tread on the tires and continue to pour yourself out without wearing out?

As always I’d love to hear from my readers. Leave me a comment below. And don’t forget to be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time…

Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash