Today in the conference I am attending -- one about the ministry of the Executive Pastor -- yes, there are Executive Pastors (XPs) all over the US and even around the world (there are XPs here from Zambia, Ireland and India!), the idea of Sabbaticals was discussed. Sabbaticals are exended times of "Sabbath" or rest offered to many pastors. These range in length from 1 month to 1 year in length, depending on how often a pastor takes one.
The point was made that there is really no reason to consider a Sabbatical if, as people, we do not make sure that we are taking a Sabbath day once per week as God instructed. How many of us (and I point first to myself) go a hundered miles per hour day in and day out without stopping for just one day per week to refocus and rejuvinate -- spiritually, emotionally and physically. My gut tells me that most of us do not -- even on the weekend as we worship together -- do not truly Sabbath! Many of us are in and out of the church building and back to ACTIVITY as quickly as possible.
The idea of Sabbath is the ceasing of activity that drains us and causes us to tire in any way. It does not mean just laying around eating bon bons. It means to find ways that allow us to reconnect with our creator and be REcreated in those times alone with our God. This could be study, prayer, travel, time with family, etc. He deisgned us this way. He meant for us to take 1/7th of every week and spend with Him -- that's 24 hours focused on just BEING rather than DOING!
Not an easy thing for me and I know not easy from most of you. I know that our New Life Church staff all struggle and fight for this time that is so desparately needed. Often they get caught in the trap of fixing problems for others while creating problems for themselves.
Let's commit to encouraging -- even ordering one another -- to SABBATH and live as God intended us to live.
The point was made that there is really no reason to consider a Sabbatical if, as people, we do not make sure that we are taking a Sabbath day once per week as God instructed. How many of us (and I point first to myself) go a hundered miles per hour day in and day out without stopping for just one day per week to refocus and rejuvinate -- spiritually, emotionally and physically. My gut tells me that most of us do not -- even on the weekend as we worship together -- do not truly Sabbath! Many of us are in and out of the church building and back to ACTIVITY as quickly as possible.
The idea of Sabbath is the ceasing of activity that drains us and causes us to tire in any way. It does not mean just laying around eating bon bons. It means to find ways that allow us to reconnect with our creator and be REcreated in those times alone with our God. This could be study, prayer, travel, time with family, etc. He deisgned us this way. He meant for us to take 1/7th of every week and spend with Him -- that's 24 hours focused on just BEING rather than DOING!
Not an easy thing for me and I know not easy from most of you. I know that our New Life Church staff all struggle and fight for this time that is so desparately needed. Often they get caught in the trap of fixing problems for others while creating problems for themselves.
Let's commit to encouraging -- even ordering one another -- to SABBATH and live as God intended us to live.
4 comments:
Amen to that. I think it is truly important to take a day of rest. It not only helps you to reconnect with God but also it gives you strength for the coming battles.
WOW - I can't imagine a topic more important to this group of super busy pastors - guilty as charged, too! You'll need to teach a mini-lesson to OUR STAFF when you get back home! CS
Being rather than doing, you are correct, this is a key to the day of rest. I find that to do this, you have to say "no" to somethings or some people and that causes some conflict, but its needed if your going to spend time with Christ for 1/7th of your week. Good stuff bro :)
i think you working stiffs should look to us students for guidance in this area. we are known to abstain from work at LEAST once a week, often spending these times prostrate ;)
in seriousness: i think the second step to keeping the sabbath is even harder. and that's using it for meditation instead of vegetation.
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