John Stanko

"As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures" - Acts 17:2.

Even though Paul was a good Jew, he worked on the Sabbath! What's more, his Sabbath work custom was going into a synagogue to reason from the Scriptures that Jesus was and is the Messiah. The point is that the Sabbath day was not a time to shut down and do nothing, but to do what God had called and appointed him to do. While not ignoring the need to rest, leaders should follow Paul's example and devote some of their down time to furthering their purpose in leadership, which may include study, reading, writing, or some other practice that will make them more effective leaders. Remember, when you are doing purposeful work, you will not be drained of energy for purpose always replenishes what it requires in effort and physical or mental exertion.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Do you have any 'Sabbath customs' like Paul? Do you devote some of your rest time to activities that will pay dividends in your leadership mission and purpose? Your assignment on your next rest day is to identify an existing or new habit for your down time that includes some thing(s) to enhance your skill and ability to lead others. Then make sure this becomes a custom and not just a wish or a one-time event.