“Ministry is a marathon not a sprint.” I’ve heard those words often. I’m sure you have too.
I have friends who run marathons regularly. Their training is relentless but their pace is methodical. They know how important PACE is to finish the marathon. In the midst of doing ministry, it’s easy to forget the pace needed to sustain us in ministry.
Here are four ways to make sure your pace won’t sustain you in ministry.
Neglect Your Marriage.
Don’t go on regular dates. Expect your marriage will always be as you left it. Assume being around each other is as good as time spent connecting with each other.
Hold On To Offenses.
Even though Jesus was betrayed, pretend it will never happen to you. Hold on to grudges. Expect people to always ask you to forgive them for what they’ve done to you. Whatever you do, don’t release it.
Don’t Take A Day Off.
Pretend if you take a day off everything will fall apart. Convince yourself if you work a little longer, ministry will actually be finished for that day. Convince your family that this is a “season” and you won’t always be this busy.
Believe It All Depends On You.
Carry every burden. Don’t pray much. Worry a lot. Stress out about every decision to be made.
Setting the right pace
My prayer is that you make it and go the distance. I’ve learned most of the above the hard way. Take regular inventory that you are building these pace setters to help go the distance in ministry:
Nurture your marriage.
Don’t take the single greatest relationship you have on earth for granted. Go on regular dates. Dream together. Build each other up. One of the greatest things you can do for your church is have a healthy marriage.
Release offenses.
Jesus was betrayed. You will be too. Don’t be surprised and don’t be controlled by it. Life is too short! Jesus said offenses WILL come (Matthew 18:7). It’s not a matter of “IF” but “When.” Let it go. Stop drinking the poison. There are people to be reached and a mission to complete!
Take a regular day off.
Jesus said the Sabbath was made to meet your needs (Mark 2:27). It was not a suggestion. It was one of the ten commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). It is God’s gift to you. Disconnect from social media and email. Relax. Spend time with your family. Worship Jesus. The best you is a fresh you.
Trust God like your life depends on it because it does.
Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). Jesus made a promise that HE would build HIS Church! (Matthew 16:18) Work hard but pray even harder. He’s got this and He’s got you!
The body of Christ needs you.
PACE Yourself!