Many of the moral failures we hear about—and countless more that never make the news—can be traced bacK to just two forces: isolation and exhaustion. Time and again, we’ve watched gifted, capable leaders make shockingly unwise decisions simply because they were alone and running on empty. Today, we’re diving into why these two quiet pressures are so dangerous, and what it takes to build a life and leadership that can withstand them.

 

Six Excuses:

 

Excuse 1: I love what I do

• Since when is loving to do something a license from God to do it?
• Good outcomes are not permission to avoid practicing Sabbath rest as directed in Scripture.

 

Excuse 2: I can’t get everything done

• Perhaps one reason is due to isolation and exhaustion.
• Pastors are in the relationship business, and relationships are never

 

Excuse 3: I can’t sit still

• Adrenaline and/or cortisol addiction?
• Being uncomfortable is never an excuse for disobeying God.
• Psalm 46:10 “Be stilland know that I am God.”

 

Excuse 4: Not enough people helping

• Is it possible your pace has gotten in the way of people-development?
• One of your top priorities is releasing people to serve where their passion, pain, and proficiency intersect.

 

Excuse 5: I’m afraid things will fall apart

• Pastoring is a faith venture.
• You need faith to believe God is minding the store while you take a day off.
• Regular intervals of rest are acts of faith.

 

Excuse 6: My role models were workaholics

• If your role models are unhealthy that doesn’t mean you have to be unhealthy

 

 

It’s time to learn how to unplug . . . to punch out after a solid day’s work . . . to cease striving.