Avery County
It happens. We all go through some version of burnout. The question is, is it unavoidable, or is there a way to be vaccinated from it? To get a clue, let’s look at the first case of burnout recorded in the Bible.
The First Burnout in the Bible
Lev. 10:1 “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized (or strange) fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.”
While this burnout is more literal than what we experience, I think there is a lesson we can learn from it.
Nadab and Abihu were supposed to take over the priesthood position from Aaron. I’m sure they were excited at the prospect of entering this coveted position. In fact, they were so excited that they broke a major rule. They were only supposed to get the fire for their censers from the Holy fire that was on the Altar. This “strange fire” in their censers came from their own source—not from God. The result is that their careers were short-lived.
The Fire Source That Lasts
I believe the continually burning fire on the Altar is a picture of the continual fire of the Holy Spirit. That is where we are to get our energy, not from our own resources or energy.
Examples of strange fire in our lives are: ministry for ministry’s sake, ministry for our own fulfillment’s sake, or ministry for others’ sake. These all may be very warming to us for a while, but in the end, they will cause burnout.
The only fire that will never burn out is the fire from the altar of Calvary. Those who, like Paul, are constrained, motivated, and compelled by the love Christ demonstrated on Calvary will be serving Him with passion, effectiveness, and intensity when they draw their last breath this side of eternity.
Returning to the Altar
So if you’re feeling a bit burned out, I suggest you go back to the Altar, the Altar of Communion. There, you can re-align your motivations and get an emotional reset because the love of Christ is a fire that never burns out.
Selah, (think about it)
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Kurt Bomar is the Assistant Pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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