I know what you're thinking. What's wrong with excellence and trying my best at leadership?
Nothing. We should strive to lead with excellence. What I'm referring to is going to an extreme where we try to be Super Man, Super Mom, Super Leader, Super Pastor, etc.
I came to this realization last year when I took a sabbatical and God opened my eyes to my pride. You see, I took pride in being a Super Pastor and thought that no other pastor was as dedicated as me. I would meet with men in my church that needed counseling and a listening ear until midnight or 1 a.m. (leaving my wife and kids at home). I thought I was an amazing pastor and super leader.
The truth is this: My unhealthy practice of late nights helping others fed my ego, made me look down on other leaders/pastors and was a horrible example to my family.
When I returned from my sabbatical, I wrote a declaration that I only showed to my wife—that put my foot down and vowed to work within established boundaries and office hours. If someone needed to talk to me, they could make an appointment and meet me in my office (during the day).
Of course, we all have those midnight phone calls with emergencies (deaths, accidents, etc.). I'm not talking about these situations. I'm talking about things that can be handled during the normal work day, leaving the rest of the evening and night for me to be at home with my family (my first ministry).
"Do not overwork yourself just to become wealthy; have enough sense to know when to quit (Proverbs 23:4).
Later, I'll write more about signs you might be trying to be a superhero. For now, what are some boundaries you have placed on your time, life and career to protect your health, life and marriage? Is this something you struggle with?
Greg Atkinson is an author, speaker, consultant and the editor of Christian Media Magazine. Greg has started businesses including the worship resource website WorshipHouse Media, a social media marketing company and his own consulting firm.
For the original article, visit gregatkinson.com.
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