When the term "Burnt Out" is said, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe a light bulb, a car, a person? But what about church? I believe that this term, "Burnt Out," concerning the church has been misconstrued throughout our generation and the many generations before us. So here are a few reasons why I believe that we as a body of Christ claim to get Burnt Out on church.
First off, we are the church; people are the church! The building where people meet for worship is what we call the “church”, but it is really the people who make up the Church. So if someone says, “I feel burnt out on church,” this really states that the person is tired of the people in the building, or tired of mundanely going to the building.
The definition I found on the word "Burnt Out" comes from The Free Dictionary website which reads: " 1) burnt-out: exhausted as a result of longtime stress." Stress is a natural human experience; no one will ever go through life and not be stressed. Stress can be a product of school, work, children, etc.; life in general is stressful and problematic. But, there is hope to this obstacle, in Psalm 55:22 it says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." (NIV). So when all the pressures of life are building up, and it seems like there is no relief in sight, I believe it is not God that we are burnt out on. When we feel exhausted and just can't go on any more, that is the time we turn and run towards God. He will catch us, hold us, and care for our weary heart.
Women in the church are terrible for wanting to show their strength and femininity by being “Super Woman.” This is an unattainable goal for women and leaves us feeling worn out and tired! So we as women burn ourselves out on church. The mentality that Proverbs 31 gives women is impossible, but that is what we believe a real woman of God to be. Yes, I do believe that we are to strive to be the best possible for our families, and others around us, but one key point is that the Proverbs 31 women were relying on God to be given the strength needed to be sustained throughout the day We need to turn to God each morning and pray that He will guide and strengthen us to do what is needed, as well as enjoy the wonderful blessings of God around us.
The second definition also from The Free Dictionary website is "2) burnt-out: destroyed or badly damaged by fire." There will also be a time in life of damage. Sadly we live in a broken world, a world that will eat a person up and spit them back out without a care in the world.The saddest part is that we can be damaged, then damage others. Sin creates this death trap that just keeps going and going like the energizer bunny. I believe that this happens far too many times to many people in the church. Either we are hurt and thus shy away from the church or we hurt our selves by sinning and being ashamed of our actions. Like the old saying goes, "If you play with fire, you will get burned!" This is just apart of life. But God is reaching out saying, "Let me heal you, do not be ashamed; give me your burdens. I can fix you, I can make your pain go away. Just come to me, let me in you're heart, let me love you!"
So do not say that you are "Burnt Out" on God, or Church, because it is not true. We get burnt out on ourselves, and life. Church is meant to encourage, strengthen, build, and deepen our walk with Christ. Instead of being burnt out, I challenge everyone to go and meet with the body of Christ with a heart of expectancy. Go to church knowing that God is going to change hearts and heal lives of brokenness. Never let our hearts grow stale, let Jesus heal you from the inside out.
by Anna Barbara and Tony Feagin
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