I am what you call a spiritual camel. When my tank runs low, I drink wide and deep from spiritual water sources (watching video sermons, reading books, connecting with old mentors, extra prayer time, extra time in Scripture, etc...). My day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month disciplines, however, leave room for improvement. What I need is a sustainable, spiritual life as a follower of Jesus Christ, a life that visits spiritual oases on a daily basis.
Yes, pastors need to "get a life" (a spiritual one) just as with any other disciples. We like to double-dip from our preparation time for sermons and Bible studies. In other words, we oftentimes count the time we spend preparing a message or lesson for other people as time alone with God. I do not discount that we reap spiritual blessings and insights performing this work for the Church, but I don't think it really counts as personal devotional time with the Lord.
This past week, I have reconnected with old pals in the faith, guys that will pray for and encourage me in my faith and guys that I can pray for and encourage. I am gorging right now on video sermons, and reading theological articles out the wazzoo. The key to an ongoing life of spiritual health for me, though, is continuing these daily and weekly practices once my tank is again full.
In the meantime, I will enjoy the water.
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