What I'm Thinking About Today...

I have been reading In This Place by Kim L. Abernethy, and today at lunch this passage jumped off the page at me.  I've been pondering the wisdom she offers and thinking about its practical implications in my life.  I'd love to hear your comments and reflections!

"I believe that even in Christian ministry, without taking it to the extreme of being selfish, we must be protective of our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies. 'Broken and spilled out for love of you, Jesus' is part of a song that has incited controversy on the left and right side of Christian service. If we completely are broken and spilled out, then there is nothing else to give later on. While that may be a true statement, perhaps there are times when broken and spilled out is exactly what God has planned for our lives and He must be the one to do the refilling. That is the key; it must be God’s will for us to be broken and spilled out. On the contrary, the pouring out and used up should not come from neglecting ourselves. It reaches to Him to either put us back together for further use in His kingdom or take us into our eternal rest. That is entirely His call. There are no kudos for overwhelming our bodies and minds because it makes us feel better to do so.  On the other hand, if we are so protective of ourselves and what God has given us, how can we ever be effective to do the things that matter for eternity’s sake? We have example after example in the Bible of men and women who simply allowed God to use them–very small, seemingly insignificant people, to do very big, significant things for Him! The point needs to be made: a perpetually off-balance scale will wear out quickly just as an off-balance life and ministry will. Lesson learned: take time, take a break, and understand your limitations. And be honest with yourself about the needs that you feel are taking front row. Selfishness or genuine need? Only the Holy Spirit can separate the confusion between the two. If you follow His leading, you will be better off for it....and so will your ministry!"