In life there are a few things we can do to extend, or at least try to extend, the years that we live. These keys can also be used in the life of our ministry.
Exercise
Blah, I hate it but it is an age old song that doesn’t change. Exercise builds muscle, strengthens bones, tones and increase stamina. We need to do some things we dislike to maintain peak physical conditioning and to ensure we are functioning at peak capacity.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we are encouraged to train as if we are athletes.
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (The Message).
We have to buffet our bodies to keep them in shape. It is hard, it is strenuous, it demands discipline. We have to avoid that which brings us down and weakens us, smoking, alcohol abuse, gluttony, bad relationships or friendships and burning the candle at every end. These need to be replaced with things that strengthen. Of course change or improvement does not come overnight. As with exercise if you haven’t done any for a while you do not sign up to run a marathon. You begin to train, slowly but surely. Baby steps first!
Try changing things bit by bit. Have a plan and set goals and the marathon may become a reality!
Happiness
Interestingly enough, happiness seems to be a factor in the longevity of people as well. There may be a biological explanation for this as certain chemicals and hormones are produced by you r body when you are happy. These chemicals obviously extend life.
If you aren’t happy in what you are doing it breeds dissatisfaction and discontent. As with anything you give up on them or do the task half- heartedly when feeling this way. Either get out of what you’re doing and stop making everyone else around you as miserable as you are or choose to change your attitude- it is possible!
Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive. Revisit your mission and vision statements regularly. Why are you doing what you are doing? Why is it important? Focus on these things and it will help you stop looking at what is wrong but passionate about improving what you can.
Make the effort to share good stories with your team and have them share victories and positive happenings in your ministry. This is refreshing and body building. Encouragement no matter how big or small helps breed a certain level of satisfaction and brings that warm, fuzzy glow that is ‘happiness’. Knowing that what you are doing is purposeful and successful makes for longevity in ministry.
Everyone likes treats. Life without them would be dull and boring and simply a strain. Include treats in your life and ministry. Plan activities in your ministry that are purely fun and a break from the norm. Plan activities for your team that build relationship and help connect them to one another. When your team members like each other and are on board with the mission then longevity is more likely.
