The Graveyard of Spiritual Burnouts

By David Ettinger 

A Sad Discussion

I listened in sadness as one-half of my best-friend couple from New Mexico was telling me about the demise of their 42-year marriage.

As I expected when I heard the news a few weeks back but knew no details, it was “Alan’s” fault. “Elaine” was always the nicer and more emotionally stable of the two, and was 100 percent the victim.

Alan and Elaine were the first to embrace me when I gave my life to Christ in 1986 and started attending their church, and I became equal friends with both. Both were strong in God’s Word, prayer, and teaching, and Alan was even a deacon in the church. Our friendship was tight until 2001 when I moved to Orlando, Florida.

Over the years, we hadn’t heard much from each other – that is, until I received this bombshell report. And, as I had guessed, another woman was involved. Alan had completely turned his back on the Lord and His holy Word and pursued an inexcusable sinful path.

I lamented not only this latest development, but this latest addition to the graveyard of spiritual burnouts of those I knew in those early days – all of whom had a large impact on my life.

The Long List

The first to burn out spiritually was “Steve” – whom I thought was a strong Christian – an accountant who cooked the books making himself rich while at the same time depleting the wealth of his clients, several of whom were stout believers who attended our church.

Next came “Charles,” a tall, handsome, strapping guy about 10 years younger than me, married to a beautiful wife and dad to 2 beautiful children. Strong in the Word and a bold communicator of the Gospel, Charles threw it all away for an affair with a married woman. What in the world was he thinking!

Then came “John,” my across-the-street neighbor who, along with his wife, reached out to me before I was saved, always inviting me to their church (the one I eventually attended), and being among those who helped lead me to Christ. About 10 years ago, John got thrown into jail for improperly touching a little girl.

Next in the graveyard was “Lawrence,” an all-around talent who could lead worship with his fine musical skills as well as teach a great Sunday school class with his deep knowledge of God’s Word. He’s now doing time for child pornography.

Then there’s “Frank,” who was the first to tell me about John MacArthur and Marv Rosenthal, the latter of whom changed my life forever. Frank was a superb Bible teacher, equally proficient in both the Old and New Testaments. He decided to leave his wife and 5 kids (though the oldest were grown), take on a new personality as some kind of secular country musician, and dabbled in wizardry. Bizarre.

Then there was “Brock,” the pastor of the church who had such a strong influence on me. It was from him I first heard the phrase “spiritual burnout.” He got involved in some shady business practices, and became an advocate for refusing to pay taxes. “It’s not biblical,” he contended.  His extra-curricular activities greatly hampered his effectiveness for the Lord.

And the latest, of course, is Alan.

Baffling

Every one of these men impacted me greatly – and every one of them came tumbling down. Were they saved to begin with? Most of them, yes, I believe. I would have to say no for the child pornographer.

But how could so many of these men I held in high esteem utterly reject spiritual discernment, substitute their will for God’s, and completely trample over the lives of those closest to them?

It’s all so baffling. Yes, I’ve sinned over the years, but never approaching the kind of iniquity referenced above. And not to mention that these men were all of an age where they should have known better. Way better!

And what about Paul’s soaring admonition for all believers to fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)?

I can’t answer these questions, but one thing I do know: I am determined to remain faithful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am determined to recite my verses every morning; read at least 5 chapters of Scripture per day; and consistently set apart time for serious prayer a minimum of once daily.

And for all of us, may we give strict heed to the warning of 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.”

May we who call ourselves “servants of Christ” run the race with all of hearts, souls, minds, and might, that we may never find a place in the graveyard of spiritual burnouts!

David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since. David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website. 

Feature Image by Jessica Crawford from Pixabay