There is a term that’s been floating about for a decade or more that bothers me. I suppose it’s innocent enough, but I’m afraid that the term has been used more as an excuse for not functioning properly or functioning at all. The term is “burn out.” I’ve heard of men in ministry dropping out, mothers in marriages with young children giving up and professionals changing fields who use “burn out” as their reason for vacating. I do agree that pressures exist in most ministries and responsibilities in this frenetic culture of ours. But what does it say about us in general and Christians in particular when we stop or quit because of “burn out?” I suppose it’s too obvious to point out that we should be pacing ourselves better than we do; getting better rest and taking breaks occasionally would be helpful. The genius of our creator’s handiwork in our bodies is if we push them too far, something will give. Coronaries, physical and nervous breakdowns, assorted gastrointestinal problems and even headaches are usually a dead give away that enough has indeed become enough. Jesus knew quite well the need for rest. He practiced it as well as taught it. But how about the other side of the coin? What about those times when things are going so well, there appears to be little concern with losing it? Listen to Chuck Swindoll on the matter: A time to be careful is when we have reached certain goals…It is then, with all resources spent and guard down, that an individual must watch out for dulled reaction and faulty judgment…During the difficult years, the watchword is survival, and the battle cry is sacrifice. Hard times bind people together. Goals are set. Prayers are offered. Every week is a new adventure in faith. By and by pieces fall in place and goals are finally reached. It is there---on the perilous pinnacle of accomplishment—that the adversary lurks with his corrupting influence. The verse of the hour should be, “Whatever you…do, you must do all for the glory of God.” Or, as Swindoll points out, Resting on your laurels becomes a synonym for flirting with disaster. The balance between the two above extremes is our measure for His service.