Are You Running On Empty?

Written by Benny Dixon

My energy tank never seems to get back to the full mark anymore. Before you write this off as an older guy complaining about all the stuff he has to do, let me pass on some information that might help you. You might not find yourself in this life stage yet, but twenty years ago, I didn’t see this coming either. Here are a few areas that you might want to invest some time and energy into now.

Take Care of Home

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If you are married, spend quality time with your spouse. Schedule it, keep it, and make it a priority. Do not sacrifice your marriage for the sake of “ministry.” Too many student ministers fall into this trap, and it is too costly. Children are an incredible gift. If God has blessed you with children, be diligent to be involved in their lives. We work with too many parents who abdicate their role of parenting to someone at the church. Be careful not to replicate that error with your children.

Take Care of Your Body
Rest is a good thing. Your body needs it. Trust me, your body needs more rest the older you get. Burning at full flame early in life leaves less to burn when you are older. Try to get some good exercise and eat healthy. View food as fuel. When the tank gets full, shut down the intake. When the tank gets empty, fill it back up. When you overfill your gas tank in your car, it spills on the ground. When you overfill your stomach, you may experience the same spread.

Protect Your Mind
Spend time in the Word and allow it to strengthen and encourage you. I have discovered that the best remedy for depression and negative thinking is to stick my nose in the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to me. Keep your eyes and ears from wandering. I have discovered that many times it is better for me to keep the television off, especially at night when I am tired and channel surfing. Be careful in the types of books and magazines you read. Music can be a great source of encouragement, but music can also lead you down a path that is not a way you should go.

Choose to Be Different
Many people you and I know are worn out, stressed out, bummed out, burned out, or on the verge of chucking it all. What is this abundant life that Christ brings to us? John 10:10 is a wonderful verse. We quote is to our students and hold it up for them to live up to, yet at times we can sometimes catch ourselves falling into the same traps that the culture has set for us. Abundant life is not a pipe dream. It is a reality that Christ wants us to live and experience.

I run marathons and have been somewhat successful in competing. The key is to be sure the tank does not get empty at any point during the race. Staying properly fueled is critical. The other important factor is to keep the end in mind. Paul talked about keeping our eyes focused on the “goal.” Do no lose sight of the fact that God loves you and is interested in your spiritual and total health.

Five Questions to Discuss with a Spouse or Peer to Refuel Your Life and Ministry:

What have you recently observed that is inconsistent in my life?
What personal growth have you observed in my life in the last 6 months?
Can you tell when something is bothering me and how do I allow stressors to impact my life and ministry?
What outlets should I have that I don’t already have in place to keep me fueled, sane, and spiritually ready?
Would you be willing to pray for me regarding…?

Benny Dixon is a pseudonym for a 40-something student minister who thanks you for investing in the lives of students and wants you to remember your own needs as you minister to others.

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