I once read somewhere that the Christian life is a marathon and not a sprint. I have since heard it applied to being a pastor as well. The implications of both are clear – plan and prepare for the long haul and not a short trip.

Jesus had a similar analogy in Matthew 13 when talking about a seed. There are many stages in a plant from germination to a full-grown seed bearing plant. Until an adult plant bears a good seed it has not completed its purpose. The seed that germinates and grows but dies with no root is the same value as the seed that didn’t take root at all.

How many of us have known a person who came to faith and was on fire for God and now doesn’t even attend Church? How many of us have known a pastor who once preached with great passion and now doesn’t even preach?

I know that there are literally dozens of factors that cause these sad situations, but I want you to be aware of a couple of these.

1) Regular Soul Maintenance. I believe everyone needs to pray daily. Everyone needs to read their Bible at least 4 days a week. Everyone needs to attend a worship service weekly. Everyone needs to serve, at the very least, monthly.
* Too many people have too much “down time” away from the life of faith. They quit reading their Bible for long stretches of time, they quit praying and they skip Church. Their lack of time spent developing their faith leads to shallow or even no faith.

2) Regular Time Off. The opposite is also true. I watch too many Christians get excited about their faith and they serve every Sunday and often one or two more days each week in addition. They attend every program the Church offers. You see them at the Church building day after day.
*Too many people have no “down time” away from the life of faith. They never take a rest and they burn out over a long stretch of time. Eventually they quit because they have nothing left to offer.

I must admit, I have been guilty of being on both sides of this equation. I have skipped my quiet time and paid the price in my soul. I have also spend every hour focused on my faith and ministry and paid the price in my soul as well. There is thin line we must walk between too much down time and too little, but it is a line we must walk. Which side do you find yourself on?