Spiritual Abuse is Real, Folks. It Happens More Than You Think

Today I will talk about those who “work for the Lord”

Early in my ministry, I worked 16 hours, six and a half days a week. I was always exhausted, and my productivity started to be affected. I was very close to burnout.

I called my mentor and explained my situation. “Josué — he told me over the phone — you tell your boss that you won’t work more than 12 hours every day.”

TWELVE hours SEVEN days a week!

Needless to say, I didn’t call him again for advice. And sure enough, a few months later, I needed a six-month-long sick leave.

You see, working “for the Lord” is presented as different than any other type of career. It has eternal implications. God himself is watching, and he desperately needs your help because “the time is near” (at least, that’s the focus in Adventist circles).

If you complain or stick to 8-hour shifts five days a week, you are given guilt trips, and verses like this one come to the conversation:

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (‭‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬‬:‭58‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

At first, this text looks harmless. Be happy while you do heaven’s stuff! You’re saving lives! You’re working with Jesus himself; how cool is that?

The problem is not the passage but HOW it moves the leadership’s agenda.

I know so many good men, women, and young people who were (and still are) abused this way. However, the word “abuse” never comes to the lips of those working for fear of being considered less worthy.

Have you encountered this situation? You can DM me if you don’t want to share it publicly. What advice would you give those trapped in this position?