The Starving Baker

 Over the next several weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite “Habitudes.” From a series of books by Tim Elmore, Habitudes are images that present different habits and attitudes that we should have as Christian leaders. Applicable to home, to whatever you position at MFH, and to other areas of your life, my hope is that some of these principles will stick with us as we endeavor to be the best leaders and Christians that we can be!

Week One- The Starving Baker

 

“ Imagine, if you will: you visit a new bagel shop not far from your home. You love going there because the chief baker has created a new recipe for breads, bagels, pastries and cinnamon rolls that are better than any you’ve ever tasted in your life! Soon, word gets out about this bagel shop. Crowds start forming lines each day, waiting for the new confections to come from this baker’s marvelous kitchen.

The baker doesn’t have enough help, and ends up trying to serve all the customers himself. He is scurrying back and forth, busy with all the requests of the people – but oblivious to what’s happening to him. His exhaustion is quickly becoming burnout. What’s worse, as you watch him for a few weeks, you see a change. This man is getting thin. Very thin. It almost seems like he is shriveling up. What’s the deal?

 You decide to just sit down and observe for a few hours. Suddenly, the problem becomes obvious. This man never stops to eat. The irony is, he is busy serving bread to everyone else, but never stops long enough to feed himself. With food all around him, his is starving. Hmmm.

Do you get the picture? So many leaders fail to tend to themselves, and eventually are unable to really serve others. They are starving intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. When they do read or listen to CDs or podcasts, it is always for someone else. They neglect to consume the nourishment and apply it to their own lives. Their “talk” is great. Their “walk” becomes fake. They go through the motions, but they are emotionally and intellectually starving. So close to food, yet never eating.”  (Tim Elmore, Habitudes #1)

Ecclesiastes 10:10 tells us,

“If the ax is dull
  and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
    but skill will bring success.”

We want to make sure we are living lives where we are fed and our axes are sharp. We can’t be of use to others if we are spiritually and emotionally wasting away!

In the midst of all you are doing for others, what are you doing for yourself and your own spiritual growth? How are you “sharpening your ax?” Whether it is taking a few minutes for prayer, going on a walk, listening to or reading some Scripture, or even taking a nap, what are you doing to feed yourself?

Discussion Questions (Please answer/comment below!)

-          Does this image resonate with you? Why?

-          How will you commit to “feed yourself” this week?

-          Why do you think we are so hesitant to “stop and eat?”