Rest and Priorities

What is the difference between pouring out and wearing out?

This is a good questions and helps us think about our rest and also our priorities.

When we read the book of Philippians we can find the answer very easily and be encouraged.

Lets have a read of Philippians 2.

When we read this chapter we can be very encouraged by what Paul was saying here to the church in Philippi.

And so when we ask ourselves that question what is the difference between pouring out and wearing out we can begin to think of our own lives maybe im pouring out here to much and im wearing out over here. These thoughts werent on Pauls mind.

As we see in the chapter Paul is saying that he may possibly be killed by the Romans for his faith.

We can see 3 things from this:

Paul will have nothing left to give after that. Its not to say that when he dies then the work of the Lord dies with him but its to say that now that he is about to die we can see that he has given it everything he had.

We can see that him about to die is out of his control. There is a passage in Philippians 1 where Paul says id much rather be with the Lord but since im here im going to continue his work.

Last thing we see with this is that Pauls death would be unjust, unfair.

Sometimes when were thinking of moving to a new job or even starting a business or even taking up responsibility at ministry we have thoughts like is it going to be long term is it something we are going to be passionate about or are we gonna do it forcefully , is it gonna be toxic or healthy?

Paul looks at these kind of questions and he fails to answer all of them and yet him being murdered by the Romans , he sees it as an offering to God.

Think about it for us when we think of these new things we want to do if its giving it everything you have for a long time.

If its all out of our control

If its unfair and toxic

Were like hell no im not doing that , im not moving to this job , im not sowing into this. But Paul wasnt worried about any of those things even when knowing he was about to die.

Do you want to know what the secret is to being like Paul?

Its Perspective. Paul says in Philippians 2:17

Philippians 2:17 NIV

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

that he is being poured out as a drink offering and he never says anything negative like “im being worn out” why? because he trusts God. He can see his death as a pleasing offering to God because he knows that God is in control.

He knows that he lived a life well spent for God that even after his death there will still be fruit of his labour.

Its an awesome lesson to see that being poured out giving everything your all is a matter of perspective.

Philippians 4:11–13 NIV

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Paul tells us here that hes learnt the secret to contentment in every situation, wether its good or bad, one thing he knows - Christ strengthens him in every situation.

So to go back to the question about pouring yourself out and wearing yourself out, the answer is , its a matter of perspective.

Who is doing the massive outpouring you or God? whos in charge of wether there is fruit or not from what happens?

If Paul says that him dying is an act of being poured out or that he has learnt contentment then that means we can also say the same thing.

God is in control , God will bear fruit and us pouring ourselves out into the things that God has blessed us with is pleasing to God.

Pouring out and Filling up.

Paul says to bear or to endure the situations we are in but that doesnt mean that we should aim to stay in the situations we are in.

Remember Paul is not in control wether or not he is going to die but hes looking at the two possible outcomes. Its either he dies and he goes to be with Jesus or if he stays alive it would still be fruitful cause he will be doing the work of the Lord.

Just like Paul we dont always get to choose.

Sometimes the seasons that were in it might be a tough season at work or tough season with family that causes our to constantly keep pouring out and pouring out.

But sometimes we do get to choose, we can take a day off sometimes to rest up and refill your cup or we can adjust our schedules to make things easier and more balanced.

Think about this - if you are unable to find time to fill yourself up on Gods word or with fellowship then something has to change.

A person who is filled up can pour out but a person who is dry can only wear out.

So just like Paul if we have the choice to pour out and bear more fruit wherever we are then lets do it, not in our own strength but with the help of the Spirit. If we cant fill ourselves up then lets examine ourselves if something has to change so we pour out more for Gods kingdom.