This week the World Health Organization has officially added Burnout Syndrome to its’ list of recognized disorders. Burnout is a psychological term that refers to long-term exhaustion and diminished interest in work. Burnout has been assumed to result from chronic occupational stress. Those most affected by this disorder are individuals forced to work a second job, those seeking to reinvent themselves in a new career after being laid off and workaholics. Whenever human beings do not possess some sort of balance in the form of active hobbies, people are at risk of becoming burned out.
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship, Romans 12:1.
According to a 2015 Gallup Poll, only one third of Americans enjoy and feel engaged by their current occupation. If this study is accurate, nearly 70% of adults go to work each week disappointed, frustrated and unsatisfied with their job. Trying to find what you were born to do or the job or your dreams can be extremely difficult. This search can take months, years and even decades to complete until you find yourself eager to get up daily to do what you love. For those of you in a holding pattern, doing whatever position you have to until another door opens, staying optimistic is hard. Yet, as individuals wrestle with symptoms of the burnout syndrome, there is a cure for this disorder in the Bible.
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you], Romans 12:2.
The apostle Paul writes a letter to the church at Rome to help people feeling lost, not sure about what direction to take in life. Overcoming the burnout syndrome begins with viewing your life as a gift from God. Just as Rush Limbaugh has coined the phrase “talent on loan from God, ” each day on earth should be devoted to becoming a living sacrifice for God. When a decision is made to dedicate your life to God, holiness and worship become a daily priority. According to Paul, as believers begin to read, study and meditate upon the Word of God, the Bible, hearts and mind become aligned with God. Therefore, if you want to overcome the burnout syndrome, begin the quest to ascertain God’s will for your life so that your job will become a mission from above.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 