You don’t have to read very much today about pastors around the country to quickly come to the conclusion that many of them are on the verge of burnout out, and perhaps worse. Many are over committed and overwhelmed.
Usually this type of situation doesn’t happen overnight but is rather the accumulated effect of small things over an extended period of time. Before you have a heart attack or call it quits in the ministry, take a look at these tell tale signs that you may be heading down a very dangerous path with a cliff ahead. Prayerfully read what follows and ask yourself-Is this ME! I’ve been there and know what it’s like. It ain’t pretty!
If you’d like to email me about what follows, I’d love to hear from you~ Davekraft763@gmail.com.
1. You Are Experiencing Tiredness, Bordering On Exhaustion, Most Of The Time
Everybody gets tired once in a while. Everybody has a long work week once in a while. When you begin to feel tired most of the time, are tired when you wake up and are thinking, during the day, how nice it will be when you can go to bed, and going to bed is the highlight of your day. Not a good sign!
2. You Are Having More Than Your Share Of Headaches And Backaches
For years the medical profession has been discussing emotionally induced illnesses. I read once that 90% of all physical illnesses have an emotional cause: anger, conflict, bitterness, lack of control. Proverb 14:30 (Amplified) reads: “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy and wrath are as rottenness of the bones.” Worry and stress going on in the mind will sooner or later be “going on” in the body. Headaches and backaches are among the most common symptoms.Not a good sign!
3. You Are Exhibiting More Than The Normal Amount Of Anger And Short Temperedness
What’s wrong with (fill in the blank)? All of a sudden, he seems to have a short fuse. That’s not like him. He’s getting upset over things that never used to bother him. He doesn’t seem to be himself. Things you never used to think twice about are now setting you off–even to your own shock and dismay. Not a good sign!
4. You Find Yourself Blaming Others Rather Than Taking Personal Responsibility
You’re becoming so fragile that you can’t handle the slightest criticism at all and find yourself blaming others for things everyone knows you did yourself. You’re touchy and very sensitive anytime anyone challenges you, questions you, or has an idea different than yours. People on your team and in the office are beginning to say that you’re losing it…going over the edge. Not a good sign!
5. You Are Demonstrating An I-Don’t-Care-Anymore Attitude
Everybody who knows you sees you as a responsible get-it-done sort of person; but lately you’re day-dreaming and finding it increasingly hard to concentrate. You’re thinking you need a vacation, even though you recently had one. Somewhere along the way your motivation and energy took a left turn, but you don’t know why. You feel lethargic and not excited any more about what you normally love to do. Not a good sign!
What do you do? For starters, your worth and value is not based on how successful, popular or respected you are. You are not who others say you are or even who you think you are, but who God says you are. Your sin and your past may describe you but they don’t define you.
Remember that in Christ you are…
- Loved
- Forgiven
- Redeemed
- Accepted
- Transformed
- Secure
- Blessed
- Gifted
- Chosen
- Unique
- Reconciled
Let your mind, heart & soul bathe in this…
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
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