Burning Well, Not Burning Out 010625
Key Text: Mark 6:30-34
The proverb ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ – Welsh writer and historian James Howells 1659
All work and no play makes jack:
Heart attack material, makes jack prone to anxiety, makes Jack work harder and less productive. Makes Jack’s relationships prone to stress. Makes Jack a ticking time bomb. Makes Jack a pain in the neck to others. Makes Jack’s children dislike him. Makes Jack miserable.
We live in a world increasingly driven by deadlines and moving with increased momentum to a 24/7 mentality.
You may argue that it is more convenient – but is it natural? is it normal? is it necessary?
God wants us to burn well but He does not want us to burn out.
Burning well looks like a burning bush that is bright and attractive but does not consume the carrier. Exodus 3:2
Burning well is ‘a light shining before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16
If we are going to enjoy the journey, having discovered the meaning for life, then we must learn to play.
Our meaning is truly only found in Christ and is a mixture of purpose (Why am I here?) and significance (I want my life to count).
We become much better people when we discover the power of God’s rest in our lives.
Rest & Relaxation is Spiritual…Come Away with me
Jesus did not tell His disciples how to rest, He showed them, He takes them to a place rest. This is what he does Psalm 23:2 He leads me to waters of rest. When we walk with Jesus, rest should be part of our understanding, thinking and practice.
Rest is a normal expression of spirituality but more than that it’s learning to rest with Him. If we only see rest as a physical thing, we will struggle to connect with the potential power of rest. Because rest does not start with our body, it starts in our spirit and works to every other area of our lives.
From the beginning in Eden God established the principle of learning to live out of rest and work out of wholeness. The crowds can wait but rest can’t ‘Come away with me.’
Rest & Relaxation is Relational… by yourselves
There are moments when we need solitude, to be alone to rest and relax and there is nothing wrong with this.
There is a dynamic of rest to be found in the context of relationships that cannot be found alone. Jesus shows us that it is possible to relax with others, not just including them but showing that our relationship with them is actually part of rest.
There is power and healing in the company of good friends and family. Their presence, reassurance and commitment is part of the rejuvenating process of rest and relaxation.
When God came down in the cool of the day. He came to walk with Adam and Eve. They would learn together to walk with Him. Enjoy Him and live in the power of rest with each other.
Rest and Relaxation is Emotional…to a quiet place
Jesus was saying, Let’s go somewhere where your mind and emotions can unwind and have moments without demand. We all need this. In our modern world with improved communications there is the possibility of always being on call. text messages, social media, emails.
Without discernment we buy into the idea that we cannot live without all these things…we can.
If I’m busy it means I’m important, even if that were true (and it isn’t) we cannot be busy all the time. Holidays, rest days, times away from the demands allow our emotions to heal, rest and recover.
Stepping away serves to remind us that our identity is not in what we do. Because the message of the gospel tells us that our identity is received not achieved.
What can we do to continue to burn well and not burn out?
A change of Pace – Slow down a little.
A change of Place – Coffee out instead of at home encourages mental & physical enjoyment of rest.
A change of Practice – Be intentional in your rhythms of rest.
A change of Purpose – Save ourselves not the world. A healthy you, gives the world a better chance.
First and foremost Jesus says ‘Come away with me…’