On Saturday September 21, 2024, my wife and I were guests at a dinner organized by Dr. I. S. James. The dinner had twin purpose. Firstly, it was an occasion for his birthday. Secondly, it was a way to bring together and appreciate people who have partnered with him in the ministry. I had the singular honour to bring a word of exhortation on that day. After emphasizing that every truly great person recognizes their need of help, I closed with two warnings. First was the need to avoid gloating. That was important because I had told them that the support they give is analogous to the pillars of a house. No house can stand without the pillars being in their proper places. I challenged them to avoid going around claiming that without them the ministry would not be standing. The fact remains that if they fail to stand in their places, God can (and will) raise others.
Our reward is tied to due season. Incidentally, it is only God who controls the seasons and knows who is due for reward.
The second warning was that they must avoid what may be termed compassion fatigue or altruistic burnout. This is related to another concept called HELPER’S BURNOUT – an exhaustion from repeatedly assisting others. Those kingdom partners were helping in the ministry, and it was a timely warning so they would not start to think that they had done enough. I believe this was the kind of condition that Apostle Paul was trying to prevent among the Galatians. All good works have their payday. No service in the kingdom will ever go unrewarded, but that is on the condition that we don’t stop. Our reward is tied to due season. Incidentally, it is only God who controls the seasons and knows who is due for reward.