Sustainability

<<maintaining function, being viable>>

Thus to be sustainable means to avoid depletion of resources through responsible management so the demand does not exceed the supply or the capability to regenerate and be replenished. It is having a long-term approach that will ensure the continuation into the future rather than a short-sighted, reckless and often selfish attitude that is not concerned with the consequences. The principle of sowing and reaping illustrates the concept of sensible preparation for the future.

The world’s natural resources are habitually the focus of ‘sustainability thinking’ but the continuance of any venture and organisation also depends on many factors including the ongoing mentoring and training of replacement personnel. Jesus instructed His disciples in preparation for when He would physically leave them and gave them ‘the great commission’ which continues to apply to all believers (Mt 28:19,20). Over the last several decades Christians in the Western world have to a large degree failed to maintain, let alone advance, the cause of Christianity with the number of believers in many countries rapidly on the decline.

The reason for the emotional and physical burnout of many task-orientated people is that they do not delegate or pace themselves but deplete their reserves without adequate replenishment. In the excitement of experiencing something fresh and invigorating there is a tendency to over-extend oneself in the initial period and then feel trapped when the drudgery of routine takes over, with the temptation to pull back and quit.