Don't Burn Out
By: Jamie Kent
About two years ago, I traveled to New Bedford, Massachusetts, with my church to visit potential ministry partners and their church plant. New Bedford is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history. In the early 1800s, it was the largest whaling port in the world and, per capita, the richest city in the world. Whalers came from all over to hunt for whale oil, a valuable commodity used to fuel oil lamps and lubricate machinery. The city even inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. (1, 2)
As technology advanced and petroleum products became more efficient, whaling declined and eventually ceased. The collapse of the industry led to economic uncertainty, and many residents moved away. In the 20th century, textiles became the next major industry. Today, New Bedford has reinvented itself. Since 2001, it has been the number one fishing port in the United States by value and is now the nation’s leading exporter of seafood. (1, 2)
While walking through downtown New Bedford, our group discovered that the city was once home to numerous Bible-teaching churches. Over time, however, nearly all of them closed their doors. The ministry partners we were visiting shared that they are now one of the only remaining Bible-teaching, evangelical churches in the area. Other churches have either shut down, relocated, or are preaching a false gospel. What remains are stunning historic buildings that still look like churches on the outside, but inside have been converted into apartments, concert halls, coffee shops, or libraries. According to a 2019 Barna Group study, New Bedford is the third most post-Christian city in America. (3)
As we continued walking, we passed one of these churches. I stopped in my tracks, admiring the architecture—but my heart was stirred as God began speaking to me. As I looked at the building, I prayed, “God, what happened here? Why is this congregation no longer thriving?” His response was unexpected and convicting:
“This is what happens when an entire congregation lets its light for the Gospel go out. Jamie, don’t ever let your light go out again.” My only response was a quiet, yet resolute, “Yes, Lord. Never again.”
Just a few weeks ago, during our Christmas Eve service, as I watched hundreds of candles light up a dark room, that same whisper returned: “Don’t let your light go out.” With tears in my eyes, I responded, “Yes, Lord. Thank You for the reminder.”
Matthew 5:14–16 says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” These words have long been one of my life passages—one I return to whenever I need to be reminded to shine.
In both of these encounters with God, I was reminded that the only way I can truly shine is by abiding in Christ. When I don’t abide, I can’t bear fruit—and I can’t let my light shine. In both moments, I realized I had drifted from abiding. I was slipping back into old, ungodly patterns and needed God’s gentle correction to get back on track.
John 15:4–5, 8 says: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing… By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
When we try to live by our own strength, we may attempt to bear fruit—but it looks different, feels different, and isn’t healthy. Over time, it begins to mirror the world more than Christ. But when we abide in Christ, our fruit is ripe, fresh, and life-giving. Scripture reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. If we disconnect from the vine, we wither. True strength is found in abiding.
Pastor Karl writes in The 7 Resolutions, “Every time we try to grow fruit and rely on our own energy, we come up empty and resign ourselves to pasting fake fruit into our lives. There’s a bigger problem with counterfeit fruit and pretending we’re producing fruit. Those at a distance may think we look pretty good, but those closest to us see our lives for what they are. No one is compelled to follow Jesus if all they see is fake fruit.” (Page 59)
We are a week into the new year, and many of us are setting goals or reflecting on the past year. But what would 2026 look like if you chose to truly abide in Christ? Are you tired of producing fake fruit and ready for change? Maybe this is the year you resolve to abide—and see what God does.
Perhaps that means reading through the Bible in a year or memorizing Scripture. For me, it means spending more intentional time studying God’s Word. I realized I was wasting my evenings on things that weren’t productive, so I added app blockers to my phone that shut off social media and other apps after a certain time. I even labeled the time block: “No more social media—go study God’s Word!” It’s a small practice, but a powerful daily reminder to make intentional time with God and end my day with Him.
Before leaving New Bedford, we learned that the city’s original motto was “I diffuse light,” a phrase still written on its city seal. More recently, it has been reworded to “Lighting the Way,” reminding residents that New Bedford has been lighting the way since its beginning and continues to do so into the 21st century. (4)
When we abide in Christ, we are lighting the way—living as a visible testimony of His grace, so that others may see our light and glorify our Father in heaven.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Reflect:
Read Matthew 5:14–16 and John 15:4–5, 8.
What change do you need to make so that you can abide in Christ this year?
PS. We would like to invite you to register for the free Online T7R PowerPack on January 17. Pastor Karl will lead the teaching, and it will be an opportunity for you to slow down, listen, and go deeper in your walk with Christ in this new year. Register here: T7R PowerPack Registration
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