Chapter 5: God Has Not Called You to Save the World
Un-avoiding the Sabbath
“God has not called you to save the world, He has called you to be obedient.”
Dan, a friend and mentor, has often reminded me of this truth. People who find
themselves in public ministry are often people who want to make a difference in the
world. They condemn apathy and look for a mission to identify with and pour their lives
into. When they find that mission, they approach it ‘full speed ahead’. For a while. Then
they burn out - because 'full speed' is simply not sustainable long-term.
Be it insecurity, faithlessness, arrogance, naivete, an inability to focus or poor time
management that fuels ministerial workaholism, these are often the people who joke
that they’ll have plenty of time to sleep when they’re dead - which will probably be much
sooner than they think.
Dr. Dan Spaite has written a book, “Time Bomb in the Church: Defusing Pastoral
Burnout” which explores both the physiological and spiritual/theological consequences
of ignoring sabbath rest. It is a must-read for anyone involved in public ministry
(including volunteers): http://www.amazon.com/Time-Bomb-Church-Daniel-Spaite/
dp/0834123207
Observing the Sabbath is the only commandment carried over from the Old Testament.
God commands it. God observed it. Our bodies require it. You cannot do the Will of God
while simultaneously defying His command.
So, what is a modern Sabbath and what does it look like? For most ministers, it is not
Sunday - that is a day of work. A Sabbath is 24 consecutive hours of non-work, nonministry
rest. Protect it at all cost. Do not check your email. Do not answer your phone if
there’s even a possibility of it being church/ministry related. Do not stop by the church/
office for any reason. Do not do any ministry prep, planning, scheduling, or otherwise. If
it is God’s church, it will survive without you for a day - if not, leave. Now. He does not
need you to be a ’Super Pastor’, He needs you to be obedient.
What DO you do on your sabbath then? Spend time with your family. Take a hike or
bike ride. Read a book. Take a nap. Play a sport. Rest.
“When David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he died.” Acts 13:36
What greater thing could be said about a person - but that they fulfilled God’s purpose
for their life? I pray the same will be said for you and me.