The great violinist, Niccolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to the city of Genoa on condition that it must never be played. The wood of his instrument wears only slightly with frequent use, but when set aside, it decays. Today, Paganini’s lovely violin is a worm-eaten relic.

Our unwillingness to serve destroys our capacity for usefulness. Does the overwhelming burden of ministry make you an unwilling servant? Is your position as song leader, choir director, youth pastor, or even senior pastor wearing you down? Maybe you do need a break—but don’t get too comfortable on the sidelines.

Our attitude towards ministry determines our usefulness. When we view the rigors of ministry as self-destructive, we’ll shy away from ministry responsibility. But when we view these demands as necessary to keep us spiritually alert, we’ll pursue them.