Thursday, May 26, 2011

Two of Me

This article deals with the possibility that pastors can face duplicity of self. Duplicity happens when a pastor tries to do more than they are able to do. This can happen when a pastor tries to fill a job that is beyond his or her giftedness. Another way duplicity happens is when a pastor tries to do more than he or she has time to do, even if his or her giftedness matches the job. Duplicity results in the person not being able to be his or her true self. It also leads eventually to burnout. No matter what the reason, when a person tries to be or do something that God has not intended for his or her life there is going to be difficulty. Our lives have boundaries of what we are able to do. When we reach beyond those boundaries our lives begin to suffer the consequences. The author of this article states how a person in either of these situations yearns for simplicity. Thinking that simplifying his or her life will fix everything. It takes more than this. It takes being honest with ourselves. When we are giving more than we have, whether time, service, money, or anything else; we have to look at our lives and figure out what our capabilities are. It is time to go to God prayerfully and listen to what God wants for our lives. We have to be honest with ourselves as well as God.

2 comments:

  1. I love the author’s statement that the opposite of simplicity is not complexity. That is such an important concept to understand. I like complexity. I’m drawn to visions that are multi-dimensional and involve overlapping groups of people. I tend to reach for collaborations and partnerships. That can often lead to complex plans and activities. So the concept of simplicity, as it has most often been portrayed, was difficult for me to embrace in reality.

    But as the author defines simplicity, it refers much more to authenticity, flowing with the current rather than against it. In terms of Christian leadership, it means operating out of your giftedness and God’s plan and vision for your life. It means being a cheerful giver in every aspect of the commitments we make – including time, talents, and resources. It also means “ministering in the black.” I love this analogy because so often in our ministry settings, we are encouraged to give everything, to completely pour ourselves out, but not necessarily equally encouraged to replenish and renew. When we commit to simplicity, we commit to restocking our shelves – mind, body, and spirit. We remain healthy and whole in ministry, honest with ourselves, and authentic with God and others.

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