When we do our work well as a leader, things prosper and circles of influence increase.
“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people… And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee…” (Matthew 4:24-25, NKJV).
When you are good in your profession, men begin to make more demands on your time and life generally. There is every tendency for one to try to please others and jeopardize the time with family, time to rest and reflect.
Take a look at a simple definition of rest and solitude:
Rest: Cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength.
Solitude: The State or situation of being alone
These two habits are so related, they are mighty forces for effectiveness as a servant leader. Jesus, as our master and the greatest leadership model of all time, practiced these often and encouraged His disciples to do the same.
“… having risen a long while before daylight… and departed to a solitary place, and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35, NKJV).
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, Sit here, while I go and pray yonder. And he went further…” (Matthew 26:36, 39, NKJV).
“…Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while…” (Mark 6:31).
How do we manage the ability to relax, take time to reflect, be renewed and refreshed, rejuvenated to be released for greater performance and results.
Jesus is the Lord of REST (Sabbath – Mark 2:28). God, the Creator who engineered the body system of a man, knowing fully well that man cannot be effective without rest and solitude, modeled the same for him. God rested in the seventh day.
“… and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” (Genesis 2:2, NKJV).
Apart from the therapeutic benefit of rest and solitude, man is spiritually sharpened and, in these moments, is able to use sound judgment in decision making as keys to great success.
As a leader of a growing organization or enterprise, there is the likelihood of problems emerging as a part of the growth process. The assumption is to delegate more time for solutions which, in its extreme, could be at the detriment of rest and solitude. By experience, our productivity reduces with time, On the other hand, moments away from work brings renewed energy, focus, and strength.
What will things look like if there is only work?
God instituted rest, solitude, and recreation. Even nature speaks of this – when land lies fallow, the next planting season usually comes with high yields. When you’ve truly rested after a day’s work, you return the next day with renewed abilities. How much more when you go on vacation? You return with new ideas for the next season.
On the mountain God revealed to Moses the template for perpetual glory and growth in the life of the children of Israel. Among these commands is REST!
“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest…” (Exodus 34:21, NKJV).
Resting can also be termed as waiting.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).
Resting and being in the state of solitude also indicate a state of trust in the Lord.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV).
As we trust the Lord in all we do, He will teach us how to live. In the midst of turmoil, wars, and rumors of wars, distortions, and challenges that we face as leaders, we must seek the Lord. He wants to renew us as His servants, so we can bear much fruit.
The benefits which rest and solitude provide:
- Healing your Body
- Reducing Stress
- Boosting Creativity
- Improving Productivity
- Enhancing Decision Making and much more.
There is no other time to understand and practice rest and solitude. It is an act of obedience to focus our minds on God’s counsel. The need is now more important than ever.
In conclusion, overworking is like doubting God who is able to complement whatever He directs you to do.
Will you create time for rest and solitude? Life is more beautiful when you make it a priority.
Learn how rest and solitude play an important role in your leadership by going through our Lead Like Jesus Revisited 6-Week Study Guide.
Michael Okuneye is a certified Facilitator with Lead like Jesus and also the African Representative. Experienced with missions and leadership matters since 1993. He is the Executive Director of Livingword Global leadership Mission; served as a missionary in Niger, Chad and in Nigeria where he resides, training Church Planters and Community Champions to build stronger and transformational churches in Africa. Having raised and trained many leaders in several nations, it has given him the voice in Leadership matters in Nigeria. He served as the Assistant to the National director of Bible league in Chad, later rose to National Head of Operations of Bible League Nigeria before proceeding to advance the course of Leadership and Mission. He is currently the Coordinator of the Teens Church in his local assembly where he raises leaders. As a great motivator, he has encouraged many, coupled with his unique approach to coaching and mentoring lives in diverse fields of specialization, more than 10,000 lives have been affected by his leadership. He is also championing the cause of community development in rural areas for positive changes. He is married to Titilope his best friend and they are blessed with five boys.
