From Burned Out to BlessedNäide

Jesus took breaks

One of the reasons that Christian people so often burn out is because we believe that we are following the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus worked hard, didn’t he? He sacrificed and served so that people could be healed and saved, correct? Shouldn’t we do the same, putting everyone else’s needs above our own?

Not exactly. Consider these curious verses from Luke chapter 5: “Crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (verses 15,16). Jesus didn’t serve people until every need was met. Instead, he worked, and then he withdrew. He served, and then he stepped away. He pushed hard, and then he pushed pause. In fact, Luke notes that Jesus did that “often.” That didn’t make Jesus lazy or selfish. It made him a functional creationist who followed the rules that our Creator placed on the human body.

Some personality types, especially highly compassionate people and high-achieving people struggle to slow down, step away, and say no to other people’s requests. The sad result is that they quickly run out of energy and become rather unloving toward the people who know them the best. If that sounds like you (or someone you love), consider the perfect example of Jesus, the sinless Savior who “often withdrew to lonely places.” Sometimes taking a day to enjoy your Father’s presence and creation is the most Christ-like thing you can do.

Take a break. Be like Jesus.