Many Christians like to be martyrs. It’s true. They put their own tasks aside to help others. They neglect their own needs all in the name of serving their children, neighbors, even people they’ve never met in countries across the ocean. You’re probably wondering what’s wrong with that. God calls us to serve. But He also commands us to take care of ourselves. So if you are neglecting your own health, depriving yourself of sleep, eating fast food meals in your car on your way to serve homemade soup to the homeless, you are falling short of something very important. Self care.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 instructs us to “always pursue what is good both for [ourselves] and for all.” So while we are focusing all our energy on “being good” in the eyes of others, we may be failing to be good to ourselves.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.” Vessel is one of those old-fashioned biblical terms, so let’s replace it with something else. A sentimental piece of jewelry, or a brand new car. If you have a valuable possession, chances are you will take care of it, polish it, clean it, maintain it. Well, your body is in your possession, so it seems to reason that you should take care of it. Get enough sleep. Eat healthy meals. And yes, even exercise. I have to admit, I hate it when Christians tell me I’m defiling my body with pierced ears or a beautifully drawn tattoo… while they are slurping up a Blizzard from Dairy Queen.
Self care and self love go hand in hand. We care for those we love. Why not ourselves?
