Burnout: New Word for an Old Problem

by Dennis Michelson
(Novelty, Ohio)

II Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.

Introduction: Are you running on fumes? Burnout is when you reach a point of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual fatigue. The text indicates that you "faint" and lose heart.

1. Biblical Examples of Burnout

Old Testament Examples
- The Psalmist in 6:6; 42:5; 69:1-3 and 73:2
- Job in 30:16-23
- Elijah in I Kings 19:4 and chapters 10 and 14
- Moses in Numbers 11:10-15

New Testament Examples
- The entire Epistle to the Hebrews was written to
warn against burnout

2. Serious Consequences of Burnout (Isaiah 40:31)

- strength is not renewed . . this must be done daily or fatigue will set in and strength will diminish

- loss of endurance . .this must be addressed daily of fainting will set in and stamina (endurance) will diminish

- loss of enthusiasm . . this must addressed daily or Psalm 42:3-4 will ensue

3. Four Things Burned Out People Start Doing

- start to approve and accept shameful things (II Corinthians 4:1-2)

- start walking in craftiness (II Corinthians 4:2)

- start to adulterate the Word of God (II Timothy 4:3-4)They seek to weaken and corrupt it by adding human impurities

- start focusing solely on their own desires, rather than God's desires (II Corinthians 4:15) they simply lose the desire to obey

4. Two Things Burned Out People Stop Doing

- they stop believing God's Word (II Corinthians 4:13)

- they stop thinking biblically about trials and difficulties (II Corinthians 4:7-9; 16-18)

Conclusion: Paul states in verse 16 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

As the physical body grows weaker, the inner man should be getting stronger and stronger on a daily basis. The secret to renewing your strength is to take care of your spiritual life on a DAILY basis.