Bad theology makes ministry feel like we are working for God in order to earn his love, favor, and approval. The work-for-God mentality is one reason many ministry leaders feel like pack animals.
On the edge of the burnout cliff, we schedule a weekly sabbath to rest but feel burdened the next day. We schedule an annual vacation and return exhausted. In desperation, we try a multi-month sabbatical and return to a mountain of urgent work that requires multiple 70-hour work-weeks to catch up. (NOTE: I highly recommend a weekly day off and an annual vacation, but without good theology, the burdens will feel heavier.)
Today’s text, Matthew 11:27–30, offers a spiritual solution to the heavy burdens that are carried by vocational ministers.