We’ve just come through the Passover, Palm Sunday, and Easter season and have been reminded why Jesus came to earth. I’ve been reading the accounts of these events and find it very interesting that the last week of Jesus’ life through His ascension makes up at least 1/3 of each of the Gospels. For the book of John, it is almost half of the book.
As I was reading in Luke, something caught my eye that I never noticed before. It says in chapter 21 that Jesus spent each day teaching in the Temple and each night on the Mount of Olives. Even in the busiest and most important week of His life, Jesus still found a balance between ministering to people and having quiet time.
I could be very bold here and say I believe most pastors (and those in full time ministry) struggle to find that balance. But that might be stepping on toes. (smile)
Maybe it would be more accurate to say this is an issue for us all to study and apply. If a person is heavy on ministry and little on quiet time, then they are just as out of balance as a person who is heavy on quiet time and minimal on ministering.
One thing I have learned through the years is that the amount of both ministry and quiet time vary due to seasons in our lives. A mom with a newborn is going to be swamped with caring for her child and will wish for more quiet time, let alone the time to be active in ministry. On the other hand, someone who has just retired may find themselves with more quiet time than ever before and realize they can up their involvement at church.
Not sure where you find yourself, but I’m in the middle – I’m not at the freshman stage of learning but I haven’t reached graduation day yet… I don’t have small children who need my every waking moments but I’m not quite an empty-nester… I’m not a young 20-something year old will all kinds of zeal and energy but I’m not ready to sit in the rocking chair on the porch. I’m in the middle. And that’s ok. I’m finding it easier to say that out loud and also that I’m working on finding the balance that is appropriate for where I am in life. Balance… I’m working on it!
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