Articles
A Healthy Middle
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we reap if we do not grow weary.” (Gal. 6:9)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the family of God was always locked, arm in arm in the Lord’s work? However, there is a two-fold problem that exists. On the one hand, individuals will be expected to take too much upon themselves. While on the other hand, some will depend on the few to take up a majority of the work. In the end, both situations result in problems for the brethren. The one group will overwork and eventually find themselves burned out, while the others fall into complacency. Both parties need correction and direction. Those that do too much have to be willing to ask and receive help. People that need to provide more effort in the kingdom may require exhortation. A healthy middle-ground is necessary for the church to function more efficiently.
As in most difficulties that arise in our walk, the Lord has provided examples for us to contemplate. In regards to burnout, the prophet Elijah appears to have experienced this state of being (cf. 1 Kgs. 19). A danger lies when one feels alone and drained. This is not merely physical exhaustion but also emotional, mental, and spiritual fatigue. Elijah ran away, not only because he was afraid, but BECAUSE he felt helpless. Fortunately, the Lord is gracious and merciful. In Elijah’s darkest hour, God came to him and reassured the prophet that his work was not in vain, nor was he alone.
The Apostle Paul admonished the Thessalonians NOT to rest on their laurels. These brethren had come to the wrong conclusion about the return of the Lord. Paul had to expose and correct their misunderstandings of Christ’s return (cf. 2 Thess. 2:1ff). They needed to keep working diligently for their wellbeing, as well as for God’s kingdom (cf. 2 Thess. 3:10ff).
Jesus used very harsh language for churches in Revelation that failed at both ends of the spiritual spectrum. In Ephesus, one gets a sense that things were going very well, but eventually, their love of God in Christ had fizzled out (cf. Rev. 2:1ff). People can start and remain staunch in their faith, but there are instances when brethren want to give up. Likewise, Christ was not pleased with the church at Laodicea (cf. Rev. 3:14ff). They had become quite apathetic in their relationship with the Lord. No one who thinks that they can sit back and relax can expect entrance into Heaven. Keep Christ’s words vividly in mind, “…I will spit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16).
Complacency and burnout are real problems that face the church. What can we do to help avoid these deadly obstacles? The Apostle Paul offered clarity when he wrote, “For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Cor. 12:14). He further stresses the importance of every member of the Lord’s body (cf. 1 Cor. 12:15ff). Some feel compelled to complete unfinished tasks in the church due to the lack of willingness on the part of others. While those that sit back and have others do most or all the work need to see that their lack of involvement hurts the brethren.
Some may think that once a person believes in the Lord and is baptized, then nothing more needs to be done. One can sort of coast through this life. Others may have the faulty thinking that “I” don’t need to ask for help, or “I” can handle everything. This mode of thinking is another form of selfishness because even though one may be capable of tasks, it is necessary not to take on too much. Each person needs time to rest; even God knows the value of rest (cf. Gen. 2:2f).
Life is said to be like a “marathon.” The Christian life is no less of one. It is a life that we must sustain until we cross the finish line. We have to encourage one another at every opportunity that we can get. The devil is constantly at work to undermine the Lord’s people and preys upon their weaknesses. Let us press on together with the Lord’s help so that we will reach the goal of Heaven.
