In one of his classic movies, Clint Eastwood said, “A good man knows his limitations.” Certainly, not intended as a theological proclamation, but it is still good advice. We can get the mentality that if we strive hard enough, there is no limit to their ability. Problem is God made us finite beings with limitations. Every aspect of our humanity—time, energy, creativity, and ability— has limits. It is just as important for us to recognize our limitations, as it is to know our strengths. When we know both, we can focus on the abilities God has given us.
Millions have watched the Olympic Games in London this week. These events are the pinnacle of competition. Approximately 11,000 young men and women from 205 countries are there who have devoted their entire lives striving to win the title of the fastest, or strongest, or most skilled in the world. I have never been competitive in anything, especially when it came to athletics. I guess I was just too slow, too weak, and too awkward. Nothing wrong with competition, but Christians must guard against letting this influence their work for the LORD.
In the first century Greek games, the winner of one particular event was the first runner crossing the finish line with their torch still burning. In order to keep their torch burning, pacing themselves was critical. If they ran too fast, the wind would put out the flame. If they ran too slow, the torch would extinguish for lack of oil. God designed every person with unique talents, temperaments, and spiritual gifts. He also knew what our role in life would be. When the LORD prepared in advance the work we were to do, He was not unaware of both our strengths and weaknesses. Jesus says in the parable of the talents that the servants received one, five, or ten talents according to their ability. Paul adds we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us (Rom 12:6). Serving Christ is like this particular Greek game. The goal of ministering for the LORD is not quickest to reach the bureaucracy top, or have the most church members, or receive the largest offering. Rather the LORD wants us to pace ourselves, effectively using what He has given us.
You may have heard the saying; “I’d rather burnout for the LORD, than rust out for the devil.” But, why do either? If we are fulfilling the will of God, we won’t burnout or rust out. After recognizing our limitations, we should pace ourselves accordingly and minister in the areas of our strengths. If we live this way, we can complete the race of life with our torch still burning. I have always told students that if the devil cannot stop you from doing God’s work, he will still be satisfied with you trying to achieve so much that you become ineffective in everything.
In the Olympics, we do not see the swimmer, Michael Phelps, competing as a pole-vaulter or one of the petite girls in gymnastics in the weights lifting events. They have found their strengths and put their focus to be the best in these areas. What I call the 80/20 principle applies here. Ministry will always require us to perform some tasks in which we are not strongly gifted; this is just the nature of life. However, we should spend 80% of our time ministering in our strengths and spiritual gifting and no more than 20% in our areas of weakness. The problem arises when we are in situations where we spend 80% of our time ministering outside our strengths and gifting. This quickly leads to burnout.
God is not in the competition business. He does not expect us to be the ‘best in the world’ in other words, better than everyone else. God desires for us to be the best at what He has designed us to be. We must guard against equating success with outward achievement. We can mistakenly think that the more I work and accomplish for God, the more valuable my life will be. When we try to be more than we are, it results in being less than we could be.
If you are overloaded, feeling guilt, unhappy, or unsuccessful, maybe it is time reexamine who God made you, including your strengths and weaknesses. Jesus said, My yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt. 11:30). God might be saying to you, “Lighten up! You don’t have to save the world. Only my Son can do that. You’re not the Savior. Do your best and leave the results to Me.”
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Will you come to the end of your life with your torch burning or blown out from running too fast or extinguished for lack of oil from running too slow? Pace yourself!