The Life Of A Worship Leaderနမူနာ

Burning Up or Burning Out

Are you busy? Still on fire for this year? I know I am; but I also know that a fire lasts only as long as the wick, unless it catches fire to something else.

Wise words come to us today from Proverbs 7. It’s about the fire warning of the adulterous. The adulterous is not only regulated to an extramarital affair. It is also considered anything that causes you to be unfaithful, disloyal, untrue, inconstant, false, deceiving, deceitful, treacherous, or illicit.

Anything that is set above God, even your spouse, can become an idol. Idols can also look like your job, career, ambition, music/art, success, position, power, and even ministry. Adultery is sin, as well as idolatry.

I have a friend that for many years struggled with a problem that involved another woman. Who was the other woman? The church.

He was on fire for the church and doing church work. He had a zeal like none other I’ve seen. He worked for a very famous and big Christian record label, as well as one of the most well-known churches in the country.

However, after countless hours in the office, late evenings away from family dinners, weekends away from his children, being obsessed with trying to gain the success of ministry, and seeking validation and approval from others, he was burned.

How far does the flame of the wick need to travel before it catches something else on fire?

Proverbs 7:1-2 tells us: “My son, keep My words and store up my commands within you. Keep My commands and you will live; guard My teachings as the apple of your eye.”

God desires His words to be downloaded into our hearts and uploaded to the people around us. More than that, His word is to be stored within us – securely. If we want to truly live, we are to keep His words so close to us that they become our only vision and eyesight.

“Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house” – Proverbs 5:8. Temptation is not just a warning, but also a reality to take seriously.

As worshippers, ministers, and leaders in the church, we want to excel and go higher. This is good. Where it crosses into dangerous territory is when it’s the only thing we see, covet, and desire.

Proverbs 7 is fantastic in describing and giving warning to avoiding the flames. In verses 3-4, the writer tells us to “Bind them (the word of God) on our fingers” and to say to wisdom “you are my sister” – our companion. Here, wisdom and understanding refers to the wisdom of God, the Holy Spirit who speaks His word.

Read verses 6-23 as it gives the full account of a young man passing by the corner of her house, being seduced and succumbed to ruin. Again we see in Proverbs 7:24-27 the reminder of keeping close to the wisdom and word of God – cling to what is good and abhor evil. (Romans 12:9; Proverbs 6:27)

Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Don’t go near the doorstep of self-ambition or self-gain; it will only lead to a fire. Eventually it will lead to burnout.

As much as I love what I do, I also need the time to unplug. If I don’t, I will crash and burn. This is why God only gave us 24 hours each day. No one is superhuman; don’t kid yourself.

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5

When we learn to love the real work that Christ is doing in us, we begin to love the right things versus those things which are harmful. What is love? Christ Himself and His word abiding in our hearts. (Colossians 3:16; John 15:4)

Thankfully, my friend and dear mentor came out of the fires as God lifted him above the rubble. His life, family, and ministry was restored.

Good thing is that his fire did not get out of control and that God and other friends pulled him from the flames. Sadly, there are many others who are trapped and don’t have this kind of support. What about you?

As God pours out His love to us and the refreshment of His word, we can’t help but to live and sing of what He has done. “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.” – Psalm 89:1

It is better to sing in a small well of water than to be engulfed by a forest of flames.

Keep your eyes on Christ; bind His word close to your heart. Let Him determine what is important for your life – not man, not other people, nor yourself. As leaders and Christians alike, we are to be reminded that all of us are susceptible.

The moment you say or think, “this won’t happen to me,” it may have already begun – at least the denial part.

No gain in this world is worth an inferno of torment. Walk in His word, keep close to His steps. “Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.” - Proverbs 4:21

Reflection: Do you feel like you are about to burn out? Are you in need of God and the help of others to extinguish the flames and to refresh your heart with His word? How much greater will life be when we turn and live in true repentance and in true acceptance of His unconditional love?