Christian leaders are some of the hardest workers I have ever met. The checklist is never done and the needs never go away. Like the legendary monster, the Hydra, when we cut off one head of the massive list of things to do, it seems like two grow back in its place. If a Christian leader walks away from the office, church, or pile of responsibilities, there is rarely someone else there to cover for us. So, when we walk away, we leave things undone!
That’s right. We need to learn to walk away knowing that there are still people with needs, work that can be done, and ministry that could be offered. We walk away profoundly aware that some things might not get done…and that must be OK. If we don’t learn to rest, Sabbath, and play, we will explode or implode. In the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), God calls us to rest. It is expected of us. In creation, the omnipotent God rested as an example for His kids.
How is the rhythm of your life right now? Are you resting, playing, and feeling released to walk away? Or, are to driven, tired, and unable to relax because there is so much to do. Here is my encouragement as a pastor and friend, learn to walk away…each week. It is a spiritual discipline that leads to peace and freedom.