Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
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This year our church ordained our Service Coordinator as a priest and made me the coordinator. Now I serve Saturday and Sunday of every week and I have so much more responsibilities and meetings and updates. All of which I enjoy, but also they have gotten me involved in other services like helping plan retreats and organizing events. I am just overwhelmed with service now, all of which I still love. The problem is I am asking myself if I am serving Christ anymore or am I serving me now? I do not want to serve myself or my ego or my pride. I am really worried by that as my closest friend criticized me saying, "I am wondering why you are doing all this?"

Another problem is that I am working by day and most of the weeknights. I am either serving or I am studying. This has taken a toll on my spiritual rule. I use to dedicate 3 times per day to spend time with God, morning, evening, and night. Now it's just morning and its really rushed because I wake up tired. There is no time for spiritual rule. There is only time which I choose to spend "relaxing" and not doing anything.

After the passing of the great prophet, Moses, the Lord promised Joshua (Moses' most faithful disciple and his successor as appointed leader) that He would be with him and keep His promises, just as He did with Moses. "...as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, ...." (Joshua 1:5-6). It is God who really serves His people. Out of His love for us, He humbly allows us to share in the experience of His ministry. With every diligent effort you make, you do it for God, and actually, with God. Service is a prayer that will supplement, strengthen, and season all of your prayers.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and not yet ready to assume all these numerous tasks and responsibilities, then disclose your feelings with your confessor father. Do not worry about the critics. They will always be there, whether you do too much or not enough. The guidance of your spiritual/confessor father is really all that matters since he knows best. Perhaps, he can help you make accommodations in your day so that you do not neglect nor sacrifice your personal spiritual rule. May the Lord grant you wisdom and strength to continue in a blessed and fruitful service.

 
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