The Races We Quit

Countless articles, reviews, and books will encourage you to have a tenacious approach to your career and calling. This post is not like that; I'm here to encourage you to quit.

I have a degree in theology. Over 25 years ago, at about this time of year, I was training for ministry. I was excited about my calling and hopeful about the possibilities that would come my way. Part of that experience was attending chapel services, where we would often have guest speakers from around the world come share with the students. A number of them would frequently preach on the theme of endurance.

fun times

"Many of you who are here today won't make it to the finish line."

"Don't count on having those who start the race with you finish with you."

"Don't abandon your calling and keep going while others quit."

The race imagery originates directly from scripture, helping to paint a picture of someone running with a goal in mind. The metaphors are powerful, and even non-athletes like me can quickly understand them.

These sermons have weighed on me. They were all well-intentioned, but they have not been a source of encouragement for me. To this day, the idea of quitting anything is abhorrent to me. No one wants to be seen as a quitter, a disappointment, or a failure.

I don't know if other professions put that kind of 20th-century pressure on themselves, but it seems wild to believe that you or I will only do one thing in our lives or careers. Really? Do this one kind of job for the rest of your life?

That well-intentioned encouragement from decades ago has at times become a hanging judgment over me. It is true, Jordan quit the ministry. Occasionally, I'll come across someone who knew me back in my pastoral days, and they'll ask me.

"So Jordan, what are you doing for ministry now?" or, they'll ask me with a concerned look in their eyes.

"So where are you in your relationship with the Lord?" Usually, there's a bit of masked judgment in the question, and perhaps an assumption that I've done something wrong, which is why I'm no longer in professional ministry.

I'm probably not doing as well with my relationship with the Lord, because I'd like to reply, "Go F*%4 off!!!"

You know... so that I can confirm their suspicions.

(kidding...)

"I volunteer on the sound board and help with the PowerPoint slides at the church I attend." That is the truthful reply I give them. I live and work according to my values. I strive to do my best in teaching, encouraging, and challenging those I encounter. I care about my neighbors and my community. Behind the scenes, I confront and wrestle against dark powers and principalities. The training I received is still in use, and I apply it daily, even though I do something different.

Here is what I've come to believe about one's calling. Some races end faster than you expected.

I just finished that particular race when I left full-time ministry.

We are supposed to stop running when we reach the finish line of the race.

That's how it works.

You could re-run the same race over again if you'd like, but why stop there?

I have friends from school who are still in full-time ministry, and I'm happy for them. I have a deep admiration and respect for longevity. The idea of having one job that sustains you for life is also very appealing. But my friends are running their race, not mine.

It's healthy to flip the script from quitting to starting something new and exploring a different perspective on specific jobs, roles, and careers.

Quit the race you convinced yourself that you should run. Re-running the same competition you've run for the benefit of others doesn't have to be a part of your calling. Give yourself the freedom to think about how you can apply your gifts and talents in a different career path.

Longevity is admirable, but it can also become an idol that doesn't deserve as much attention as it gets. If you're running a metaphorical marathon ordained by religious or partisan adherence, take a breather, step off to the side, and take a good look at the race as it keeps going around and around in circles. Yes, these kinds of races draw a crowd, but we were all meant for more. Perhaps it's time to run outside the arena and discover this beautiful world that God created. You were meant to run; just not in circles.

You could make a Biblical case that quitting is not acceptable and that your eventual collapse honors the cause, but to me, this is evidence that you're giving a lot to an idol. There is a beautiful Biblical case for running a low-impact, personal spiritual marathon that's life-giving to you and those around you. That case begins with the words, "Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest." It's a great place to start because those words comfort and challenge at the same time. Encouraged to enjoy freedom, but a challenge to keep following.

This is the message I would share with the kids attending a Bible College today. I’d encourage them to run their race, and to run it well for however long it takes.

Friend, thank you for reading.