Issue #194, November 16, 2016
Many leaders know how to work hard; only a few know when it is time to rest. Yet rest is a part of God’s plan for all leaders. Creation introduced a rhythm of day and night. The concept of a weekly Sabbath rest was also introduced in the creation and repeated often throughout scripture. Jesus taught His disciples an important lesson in the following account. The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 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 6:30-32). At the time of this story, the disciples had gone out for a time of ministry and accomplished many things. There were “many people coming and going.” It was an exciting time with signs of activity all around. Every leader dreams of this time when there are many positive indicators of growth. But instead of asking the disciples to work harder, Jesus led the disciples away from the work to a quiet place to rest! In doing so, He reminds all servant leaders that there is a time to work hard but also a time to rest. Why do servant leaders need rest?
Rest refreshes.
Rest refreshes us physically, spiritually and emotionally. Our physical bodies need a time of rest after activity. We can ignore this for a brief time, but finally, our bodies demand rest. A good night of sleep refreshes our physical body. Rest refreshes our spirit by taking us away from the demands of work that drain our spiritual energy. Rest allows us time to reconnect with God at a deep level. Rest also allows us to be refreshed from the intensity of emotion that comes as we interact with many people. Issues that disturb us look so different after we have a good night of sleep or a time away to rest. The disciples had completed a stressful time of labor and there was no end in sight. They were tired and needed to rest. Servant leaders acknowledge their need to be refreshed and accept the call to rest.
Rest refocuses.
Rest allows us to refocus our attention on the things that are most important. The disciples were nearly overwhelmed with the needs of the crowd and needed some time away to allow them to refocus their attention on the most important activities. Servant leaders use rest as a time to think and reflect, to assess priorities and current activities. They are able to refocus with clarity after a time of rest. They welcome rest because they acknowledge their own tendency to be busy doing the wrong things.
Rest reminds.
When leaders are busy with a lot of activity it is easy to believe that that they are indispensable. It is easy for a leader to think that he or she is the reason that things are happening. The disciples needed a reminder that the work of God would go on without them. Rest reminds servant leaders that they are not indispensable. Not everything will get done and not everything must be done. Visionary leaders easily believe that more work is the way to great achievement. Rest reminds servant leaders that they are human and cannot keep going all the time. Servant leaders welcome rest because they know they need another reminder of who they are and who they are not.
The example of Jesus teaches servant leaders that rest will not happen automatically; it must be planned intentionally. All leaders need time to rest and Jesus models the way. We would do well to listen to Him as He says to us, “Come with me…and get some rest.”
For further reflection and discussion:
- When I do not get adequate rest, how is my leadership impacted? What people are most affected? How does lack of rest impact me emotionally? Spiritually? Physically?
- What plans do I have to get adequate rest? Have I considered what I need to do daily, weekly, yearly? If not, what is God inviting me to do to begin?
- Do those I lead have time for adequate rest? Am I encouraging them, like Jesus, to stop and rest or do I keep expecting them to do more and more? What needs to change?