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 Burned Out? Could Be Your Attitude . . .
by Rich Lamb (brief book excerpt) | ||
    
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We may be tempted to avoid ministry because we have had experiences of ministry that have led to burnout. Or we may have been in ministry and are “taking a break” in order to prevent burnout. Wrong perspective.
The clearest example of burnout in the Gospels comes after the feeding of the five thousand. Earlier that day, Jesus had promised the disciples rest. But instead of finding a deserted retreat place, they found a crowd of people waiting for them. They were sarcastic and resentful when Jesus asked them to give the people something to eat (see Mark 6:30–51 for the whole story). The day went downhill from there, to where the disciples couldn’t recognize Jesus when he came to them on the water that night.
Jesus wanted his disciples to learn that rest and ministry aren’t incompatible. If the disciples had had a different attitude, the whole experience could have been exhilarating and rejuvinating. Indeed, ministry with Jesus prevents burnout. |
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adapted from Following Jesus in the “Real World” by Rich Lamb (IVP®).
Talk to us! Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of this article for educational purposes provided this permission notice, and the copyright notice below are preserved on all copies. Not to be reprinted in any other publication without permission. © 1999 InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the USA. All rights reserved. Questions about the website? Contact  Member of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
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