Leaders often focus on the task at hand and the mission they hope to accomplish, but pay little regard to their own bodies. Paul cautioned Timothy that his leadership was not only a matter of taking care of his soul but also taking care of his body. Consider these verses:  

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV).

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23).

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Taken together, these verses remind us that our physical bodies matter to God and should not be neglected as we seek to lead well.  

Taking care of your body is spiritual.   

Paul calls Timothy to “Watch your life,” a broad call to pay attention to himself. Elsewhere, Paul makes it clear that this includes paying attention to the physical. We are each tempted to separate our lives into the physical realm and the spiritual realm with the spiritual being the most significant and worthy of all our focus. But Paul brings them together for Timothy and in his instructions to the church in Corinth.  It is possible to “honor God” with our bodies!

Some leaders see their care of their bodies as unrelated to their spiritual pursuits. But serving leaders recognize that God cares about how they treat their bodies—so they also care!

Taking care of your body is valuable.

Paul says “physical training is of some value…” Yes, godliness has more eternal implications than our physical health, but Paul concludes that both are valuable. He recognizes that Timothy’s “frequent illnesses” are worthy of attention as a leader. He urged Timothy to pay attention to his body! Years later, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a Scottish minister, reportedly said, “God gave me a message to deliver and a horse to ride. Alas, I have killed the horse and now I cannot deliver the message.” He died at 29.

Some leaders prioritize their leadership growth around books, seminars, podcasts, and mental training with little regard to their bodies. But serving leaders seek to balance their physical and intellectual growth.

Taking care of your body is practical.   

Paul tells Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach.  He is not here addressing the broader question of the ethical use of alcohol; he’s giving Timothy practical medical advice. He wants Timothy to pay attention to what he puts in his stomach! When a stomach is growling, upset, or bulging, leaders should take practical steps to make needed changes. For other leaders, it may not be a food issue, but one of getting enough rest or getting sufficient exercise.

Some leaders focus on their vision and mission and the practical steps they will take to accomplish them. But serving leaders also get practical about taking care of their bodies and implement practical steps toward maintaining physical health. They are better leaders because of it!

For further reflection and discussion:

Are there ways I have seen my physical health as somehow less important or less spiritual than the care of my soul? How has this impacted my leadership?

What priorities have I established—or will establish—in my own life in the following areas:

• Adequate rest
• Healthy diet
• Sufficient exercise
• Appropriate medical attention
• Establishing Sabbath rest in my rhythms       

 What additional insights about the need for care of my body do I gain from the following passages? (Exodus 20:8-11; 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 127:2; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 6:31; Luke 5:15-16; Ephesians 5:28-29; and Romans 12:1).

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how we care for our own growth.  

¹Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. ²Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. ³How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? ⁴Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. ⁵Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. ⁶Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. ⁷My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. ⁸Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:1-8).

David writes these words from a place of peaceful rest. He mentions rest several times as well as calls God his “rock”, “fortress”, and “refuge.” What does he teach us about peace?

Peace should be recognized. David says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God.” He is at a place of peaceful rest. Peace is an emotion we can easily overlook because it does not have the intensity of many other emotions. We are more likely to recognize when we feel anxious or angry. There are no loud bells or whistles to alert us to this emotion, just a quiet sense that our soul is at rest. When we are experiencing peace, it may feel so comfortable that we don’t recognize it!

We may believe that the emotion of peace can be experienced only when all is well. But David makes it clear that he is experiencing peace during an assault from his enemies! David helps servant leaders learn to recognize that peace is possible even during difficult times.

Peace should be revealed. David reveals that he is at a place of peace and rest. He reveals this emotion to himself and to others. He speaks about the state of his soul as he says, “my soul finds rest in God.” He also speaks to his soul, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God…” He invites servant leaders to not only reveal emotion but to direct their emotion in the proper direction. Finally, he invites others to join him in this emotion, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” His call is an invitation to all servant leaders who lack peace. David invites us to focus on God as a refuge for whatever storm we may be encountering.

When peace is missing, it may indicate that we are focused on the storm swirling around us instead of the “rock” who provides peace in the storm. Servant leaders learn to reveal peace and know what to do when they find it missing.

Peace should be restrained. Many of the emotions we have looked at need wise restraint to minimize any negative impact. But peace is generally a very positive emotion. It seems that we should desire more peace, not less! Yes, peace is a great emotion and most leaders should seek more of it. But there are also ways it can hinder our leadership.

A leader may enjoy a sense of peace so much that he/she is not willing to make difficult decisions and move forward courageously. Leaders cannot be satisfied with the way things are; they desire to bring change. They should do this with a peaceful spirit, but with many other emotions involved to overcome the friction of movement. There may also be times when peace is the wrong emotion. In the face of injustice, anger may be a more appropriate emotion than peace! So, servant leaders learn, as with other emotions, that peace at times should be restrained.

May you experience peace, as well as the full range of other emotions that God created us to feel. And may your leadership reflect appropriate expressions of them all! Use the ‘feelings wheel’ below to remind you that feelings are an important part of our journey.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• Would others describe me as a peaceful person?
• Have I learned to “speak” to my soul as David did? If not, stop and practice! Reflect on what emotions you feel in your soul, then speak words of correction to yourself.
• Do I tend to experience too little or too much peace? What does David teach me about how to correct that?
• At the end of this series on emotions, take some time to reflect with the following questions:
  • How have I grown in my awareness of how I am feeling?
  • How have I changed in my willingness to let others know my emotions?
  • How have these changes impacted my leadership?              

In the next issue, we’ll begin a series on speaking the truth in love!  

Copyright, Global Disciples 2019

Leaders never quit, right? Wrong! Great leaders know when it’s time to persevere but they also know that there is a time to quit! Moses learned this lesson from his father-in-law. The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?" Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws." Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But select capable men from all the people– men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain– and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens (Exodus 18:13-21).

We often see this story as one that teaches about delegation and it is. But it is more than that. It is about Moses needing to make tradeoffs which every leader must make. It was time for Moses to quit doing some things he was doing! When is it time to quit?

It’s time to quit when the good keeps you from the best.

Moses was serving the people as a judge. That’s a good thing! But Jethro said, “What you are doing is not good!” This good act of service kept Moses from doing the best. Jethro reminded him that his calling was to represent the people to God. Only Moses could do this and it was the best thing he could do. To change from the good to the best, Moses needed to quit some things. He needed a tradeoff; quit the good to focus on the best. Servant leaders are willing to give up to go up. They are willing to quit the good to focus on the best.

It’s time to quit when you are doing work others should do.

Moses was doing a good job but Jethro reminds him that there are other “capable men” who could do what he was doing, especially judging the easier cases. Moses work was actually hindering the growth and development of these men! Moses needed to quit and allow them to learn to lead. Servant leaders are willing to quit what they do well for the sake of the growth of their team. They look for things that are not in their area of strength or gifting and pass them on to others. They also look at things they do well, but which others could also do well. They quit so others may begin!

It’s time to quit when you are sacrificing your health for the work.

Jethro saw that Moses’ was wearing himself out! He was working from early morning to late in the evenings. Some would have applauded his sacrifice, but Jethro tells Moses that it’s time to quit! Servant leaders know that it’s time to quit when they are sacrificing their health for the work.

Servant leaders reflect on Moses’ example. They look for things they are currently doing which are outside their gifting, strengths or calling and they quit! They look for good things which keep them from their best and they quit those things! And when they recognize their bodies are suffering from the work, they find something to quit! What do you need to quit so you can move forward in your leadership?

For further reflection and discussion:

• If Jethro was to watch me lead for a day, what might he tell me to quit?
• Are there good things that I am doing which keep me from the best? What are the things which only I can do on my team? What things do I need to quit to focus on these?
• What things am I doing which others on my team could do? What keeps me from empowering them?
• Are there ways that I am sacrificing my physical, mental or emotional health for my work? What do I need to quit to find a healthy balance?

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?

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?

At the beginning of the year I want to shift my focus and write you a personal note of encouragement. Leadership is a demanding and challenging task. Giving to others, serving them, laying down our lives, developing our own gifts and abilities, keeping our relationship with God fresh and growing, and helping others to grow are a few of the things servant leaders do on a regular basis. Decisions must be made daily with no guarantee of the outcome. It’s tough and sometimes seems like an impossible task.

No wonder Paul wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) The Message translation says, “So let’s not allow ourselves to become fatigued doing good.” As a leader, Paul recognized that weariness and fatigue will come if we don’t keep a proper perspective and recognize the power of continually sowing right seeds.

As I write this, I think about the wide variety of places in which you lead. You may be the pastor of a large church, or leading a small group of believers. You may lead in your business or work as a teacher or in another profession. You may face the challenge of being faithful stewards of much or you may deal with daily needs that have not been adequately met. You may receive this eZine almost instantly on your phone; or you may walk several miles once a week to an internet café to check your email. You may live in a nation where you worship and express your faith openly or you may work in isolated places where you have faced physical persecution for your faith.

You may have faced personal health issues this year or walked with a loved one through grief and loss. You might have wrestled in prayer over a child not walking in the right path, felt the pain of betrayal from a close friend or the wrenching loss of the death of a loved one.

For leaders everywhere last year has been a difficult year with economic challenges. Some business leaders have needed to make painful choices to reduce their workforce or cut back on budgets. Likewise, many church and organizational leaders have also grappled with financial challenges and spent many a night wondering how to move forward.

In spite of our diversity, we are all leaders seeking to influence others with the heart of Jesus and on the journey we can grow weary. We are called to encourage others, but who encourages us?

Sometimes leaders find encouragement through outside sources like a book, seminar, or an eZine like this one. At other times, leaders must find ways to encourage themselves. David faced a huge personal loss and a great leadership challenge when he returned home to find that his town was destroyed and his wives had been taken captive. The record states, “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”(1 Samuel 30:6) At this pivotal moment, David took time to get alone with God and found strength to continue his leadership journey.

I pray that at the close of this year, you will likewise find strength in the LORD your God. Take some time to be refreshed, experience healing from any pain of this year, find fresh or renewed vision, and then rise up with new energy to continue leading like Jesus in the coming months. Whatever you do, don’t stop doing good!

For further reflection and discussion:

• At the beginning of this year, is my leadership energy level high or low? Why?
• Have I honestly admitted to myself the things which have been difficult this year? Would it help to write them down or share them with a trusted friend?
• Am I taking time to find the encouragement I need to continue the journey?
• Are there things I need to change to renew my vision and direction for the coming year?
• Are there persons I should talk with who will help me find fresh direction?