This verse really stood out for me as I was preparing my sermon for this week, and as I looked it up in various versions I found the same emphasis over and over again:
Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. (NIV)
Then some interesting differences:
11Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord.(CEV)
11Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. (Amplified)
and even:
Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion(Good News)
One or two other versions picked up this exhortation to work hard and I am fascinated by the differences that there are. The "don't burn out" exhortation from The Message seems to stand in contrast to the command to "work hard and not be lazy" from the Good News. Obviously "don't burn out" is not a given excuse to be lazy, but rather to be self aware, to know your limits and to seek strength, to "keep yourself fueled and aflame".
This morning I have spent sometime going through my diary for the next year (The Methodist year begins on 1st September), I have put in certain dates holidays, retreats and six different away days from the Yorkshire CLAY Courses on subjects that interest me, things that will give me fresh fuel!
I must admit that all of this productive activity is unusual for me, and it is through the recognition of my own tendency to react that I am trying to be more pro-active, and I am doing it for the sake of my own sanity, and for the sake of the sanity of those who live with me!
It has helped me to stop and think about what keeps me fueled and aflame,and I suspect the answers are different for all of us, but here are some things I know. First I need physical exercise, so I have booked in times to swim and go to the gym, second I need fuel for my brain, some of the CLAY Courses will provide this, third I know that I gain energy from discussing things with others, I am an extrovert and rather than sapping my energy this causes me to thrive. I am also aware that as an extrovert the times when I find myself wanting to withdraw completely are warning signs that depression 9something I suffer) is not too far away and I need to take care). That said I am also aware of a need for space particularly my need for sunshine and fresh air, so when we can on my day off Tim and I will get out and either sail (spring/summer) or walk.
I have to keep reminding myself that this is not a selfish exercise on my part, it is an essential exercise if I am going to function at my best, but even then I know that relying upon myself for energy is not enough. I must as several translations of this passage have reminded me rely upon the Holy Spirit's guiding, equipping, energising and comforting presence within me. I must remain sensitive to her/his promptings, I must seek to be open so that the flame of love will not burn out within me...
God being my helper I can do all things through him who strengthens me...
I think I know what I will be preaching on tomorrow!
"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries."
— Elizabeth Barrett Browning