Plate Spinning or People Equipping?

Do you ever feel like you are just "spinning plates", trying to keep things going, overloaded with expectations and responsibilities? Ever feel like you are on auto-pilot, just going through the motions, punching the clock, phoning it in? Do you ever resent good things God has enabled you to be a part of because you are just plain worn out by trying to do everything on your own? Do you avoid asking others to help because you don't want to burden them? Do you long to be a fruitful people equipper rather than a lonely plate spinner? If so, I have good news for you. Instead of always being burdened, you could be learning, growing and passing on your expertise to those in need. But in order to do this you need a vision of what could be in the realm of equipping people for ministry.

1. It Starts with a Mindset.
Do you see your ministry responsibilities as a burden or a blessing? Do you "have to" or "get to"? What is the central focus, you or others? Can you stop your plate spinning cycle long enough to think through another way of living? Like Peter walking on water you need to focus on Jesus, not your circumstances. Many of us sink because we over think and tell ourselves untruths. Trust Jesus. Tell yourself the truth. Set your mind on Him. Ask Him to help you clear out the clutter and refocus you.

2. Identify Triggers.
What causes things to narrow and tighten the focus to myopically see only what we are doing rather than what God wants to do in and through us? What causes you to go astray in your thoughts, words and actions? A lack of vision is one suspect. So is exhaustion, lack of exercise and a poor diet. So is not having any viable candidates on the horizon to pass things on to. Overload generates the emergency mode many operate in on a daily basis. Overload generates undo stress and tweaks perspectives. When you find yourself slipping into overload mode, stop and reload.

3. Don't Go Alone.
Bring someone else into your labors. Moses had to learn that the hard way. God had to remind Elijah he wasn't the only one. Plate spinners often have a martyr complex. They think they are the Lone Ranger. I should know. I've slipped into that mode too often to count. That's why you need others around you who will speak truth to you. God is good. He is faithful. He brings encouragement and fresh troops at just the right time. He will supply all your need according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). He will give you like-minded co-workers in Christ. Ask Him.

4. Making the Shift.
The only way to change is to change. Think long and hard about what God has to say about equipping others and sharing the load. Read 2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:12-16; Acts 6:1-6. In order for things to change you must decide to take humble, bold, prayerful, decisive action. Ask a trusted friend for help. Admit your tendency to spin plates and then resent it. Take a step back from your daily grind, give yourself permission to take a day away to think and pray and search the Scriptures. Allow God to renew your mind and your vision. Jesus restores what sin destroys.

Galatians 6:2 says we are to "bear one another's burdens". Galatians 6:5 says "each will have to bear his own load". Are these in tension? No. A "load" is your normal cargo. A "burden" is an overload. Plate spinners tend to go on overload. Equippers recognize the warning signs and share the load, so that others may know the joy of ministry rather than the lonely pressure of plate spinning. You can become a joyful, fruitful people equipper for Jesus Christ rather than a lonely, frustrated plate spinner!

Soli Deo Gloria.