Issue #34, June 23, 2010
Leaders are by nature action oriented and assume that doing more equals achieving more. But servant leaders learn the power of retreating from Jesus, the master leader. Mark records a profound incident during a busy season of Jesus’ ministry.
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” (Mark 6:31-32)
The situation facing Jesus has all the marks of success. People are “coming and going.” There was so much work that there was no time for food. This is exactly what leaders dream about! The church is filled with people; the business has customers waiting in line; the speaking invitations are pouring in and everyone is asking to see you! There’s not enough time to answer all the calls or respond to all the emails.
But in the midst of all this activity, Jesus tells the disciples to come away and rest. I suspect the disciples walked towards the boat shaking their heads in disbelief. How could Jesus ask them to stop at the height of their popularity? How can you serve people when you retreat? Retreating helps leaders advance in several ways.
Retreat provides perspective.
Getting away always produces a different perspective on life and work just like looking at the ground from a tall building or airplane. The big picture is easier to see. We find the true meaning of our labor and realize the true size of our problems. We recognize that the things we are investing heavily in are good but not the best. We acknowledge our human limitations. Quiet reflection brings a fresh perspective to all we do.
Retreat sharpens our focus.
When there are many things demanding our time and attention we lose focus. Priorities are blurred and we spend energy on less significant activities. The cry of the urgent quiets the voice of the important. Retreat helps us recognize when we have allowed our ministry, work, or business to take precedence over more significant relationships with God and family. We are able to refocus on the most important relationships and the most productive activities.
Retreat replenishes our strength.
As we find God’s perspective and regain focus we are able to return to the context of our work with renewed energy and vitality. Exhaustion is replaced with energy through retreat.
Servant leaders need times of retreat if they will continue to effectively meet the needs of those who follow. God graciously established in the laws of nature a time for rest and retreat. The Sabbath is a weekly time to refocus and be renewed that servant leaders learn to utilize. Seasons and years mark the passing of time and create points of reference for evaluation and reflection. Introverted personalities more quickly recognize their need for retreat and naturally are drawn to quiet times for reflection and renewal. Extroverted personalities find it harder to see the need for retreat and practice the discipline of rest. But Jesus still calls all of His disciples to advance through retreat. Are you willing to hear His call and walk away from the crowds to a quiet place?
For further reflection and discussion:
- When is the last time you turned off your phone and got away from all activity to retreat?
- Have you established a rhythm of times to retreat weekly? Seasonally?
- How does your personality encourage or discourage retreat?
- When you do not retreat, what are the warning signs in your leadership?