For those who are called to lead, we are first called to serve. We are called to be witnesses and martyrs. But first of all, we are called to be Christ.
It is heartbreaking to see so many Christian leaders burn-out. We (if I may be so bold as to include myself) carry so many burdens – more than any man can bear. We sacrifice everything – our time, treasures, talents, even our health – for those we lead. Unfortunately, we have also been known to offer up our faith. We sacrifice those very habits that keep us strong, secure, and peaceful.
Typically, we give them up incrementally for sound, rational reasons: to spend more time in service, encouraging the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful, and generally sharing love and light with a broken and shadowy world. But this process leads so many of us to our own Golgotha. We we cry tears of blood and despair as our duty leads us to our own personal cross.
But what is it that is then nailed to the cross? The Romans crucified many during their reign: but only the crucifixion of Christ had any redemptive value. If the burnt-out servant of God on that cross is an empty shell, then his sacrifice is in vain. The offering being made is fit for nothing but nihilism and despair, and he is a martyr and witness to nothing but the power of the world to overcome the true convictions of the mighty.
Fr. John recently wrote a wonderful essay about the need to “feed the mule.” This is good and true counsel. I would only add that the Christian leader remember to feed himself – or rather, to feed the Christ in him.
Otherwise, what Gospel is he sharing? What kind of offering is he making when he sacrifices everything he has on behalf of God’s people?
The Christian leader sees things that tear into his gut like a rusty knife. He carries many burdens – more than any man can bear. But if He is full in Christ, and Christ is full in him, then the burden is light, and any sacrifice that needs to be made has already been accomplished. In short, there is no need for us to sacrifice our faith (and every reason not to).
