Burned Out? Up?

WED., JAN. 3, 1990, 7:24 AM
REDWOODS, BEN LOMOND

Part of the conversation yesterday, overlooking a bay of the blue Pacific Ocean, focused on burning out or burning up in a life task. George attested that this had happened to him in his Christian ministry. You wonder if this shall happen to Michael in relation to his craft/business as his life proceeds. In contrast you feel no tongues of burn out as you are in your 41st year of your art. What have I, the Holy Spirit, to say about the burning up of humans in the fires of earth work. Listen and hear, o son.

I shall offer you My simplest remedy first. Put Me first… look to Me for guidance… see the opportunities within work as those primarily of spirit… and you shall never be burned up by a job, no matter what it is. Is this, then, the end of the Teaching? Well, it could be, but you know Me as one always willing to elaborate.

The Christian ministry is demanding. The many facets of a pastorate provide wonderful variety, but also competition for time and attention that can be rather fierce. After a long day and a long week it is often difficult to see that these tasks still ahead are, finally, service to Me. People in congregations demand time and attention. And they also expect performance that can come only out of seclusion, with Me, with books, with authentic self. Still, many pastors share the responsibility for a condition of burnout, attempting to do all that is requested and giving the congregation reason to ask for more. My earth ministry, as Jesus, was a short one by present work standards. And yet the Scriptures tell of My retreating to a place of quiet and solitude. I preached and I taught, but not incessantly. I healed, but in no frenzied way. You can imagine that if I had had a longer ministry I would have paced Myself even more diligently. I knew the balance that was necessary for real service.

Michael looks to his church for the opportunities to have spiritually fulfilling experiences which clearly use his talents in service to Me and to his fellow Christians. This is commendable, for the church can be at its best only when a variety of lay persons assist the clergy in the numerous ministries possible in a parish. Some variation in such services is desirable, for any good work can develop into sometime routine. I call for spirited, enthusiastic, loving service. The act itself is always secondary to the spirits and attitudes of those involved.

Michael’s challenge, as his life proceeds, will be to continue to exhibit his particular manifestation of the Christ spirit in his work… in his business. When something as crucial as one’s work becomes mainly a means to an end, however desirable that end, an opportunity unique to earth life is missed. His situation is not ideal, but neither is it as difficult as that of many of his fellow humans, even in this culture. His is a craft of creation and restoration. What he does is practical, but it is also potentially beautiful. He can take pride in what he and his fellow Christian worker brethren can and actually do produce. But he must also deal with the bothersome details and the aggravating conditions and confrontations that come up in the days of work. These are what threaten to burn up his Christian spirit, manifested in the work place. He must be aware of balance and consciously resist being dragged into the fire of ho hum mediocrity.

You must continue as you are, developing ever new ways to excite learners. You know that your balance now is different than in your younger years. Be aware of needs for change as your later years approach. Be honest with Dale and Don. Yet do not deprive your profession of written work that only you can do. Consider seriously suggestions I have made about your relations with students. Know that you have supreme opportunities in helping develop spiritual health, in theory and in practice.

You are quite aware that marriages can burn out also. Yours need not, and I call on you both to continue the balance of working for a better relationship and in just enjoying the ways in which you experience life similarly and differently. A continuing good marriage is a work of spiritual art, with joint artists.

I am alternately amazed and amused when particular Christians seem to burn out in enthusiasm for My Body in this earth and in Christian service. My servant Louise is a marvelous example, in contrast, of one who looks to Me and gives of herself, even for nearly a century. How varied are My people.

In Majesty.
8:28 AM