The Link Between Self-Care & Faith

God created mankind in His image. He created you with care, with a design and a purpose. (see Psalm 139). Our bodies are a temple to glorify and honor God with. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we do not care for God's creation, there are natural consequences, and they aren't good. There are also spiritual consequences. When we are tired, hungry, have unresolved hurts, don't control our thought life, or are too busy and stressed out to rest in the Lord, it makes it harder to hear from God and gives the enemy a foothold.

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The enemy is the father of lies. He tells us that if we take care of ourselves, we are being selfish and self-centered, prideful, and unacceptable to God. (Lies), When we take care of ourselves, we honor God's creation, obey his command, follow in his example, and show personal responsibility and good stewardship of the resources He has given us. Satan tells us that if we are good Christians, we will not take care of ourselves until everyone else is taken care of first. (Not only a lie, but impossible for any human. Jesus didn't even do that!) He uses secular ideas of self-care to trick God's children out of preparing themselves for his attack. 

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We give out of our overflow, so before we can give and serve, we have to be filled.. It is impossible to give what you don't have. 2 Corinthians 9 tells us that we are to give as each one purposes in his heart and that when we give in this way, the result is a cheerful heart. When we give before our own needs are met, we become exhausted, stressed and resentful. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. Jesus understood and prioritized rest and solitude. He understood the human need to rest and recharge his body in order to be able to do the things God had given Him to do.  Luke 10:38-42 captures this principle in the story of Mary and Martha. While taking care of people is good (Martha), sitting captive at the feet of Jesus first (Mary) is the better thing. ​

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Self care does not mean neglecting our responsibilities for what feels good and self-pleasing. It is not self-indulgence in bubble baths, alcohol or scrolling social media or watching hours upon hours of mindless media.  When you feel beat up by the world, just chanting a positive mantra is not going to restore you. These things are not self care.

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Self care is the regular practice of listening to what signals your body is giving you about what reserves are low and then being intentional about doing what is needed to feel balanced, focused, and effective. It is about having good boundaries and habits to not "overspend" and get into a deficit. This applies to our bank accounts, our energies, our emotions, our thoughts, our giftings, and our spiritual practices.

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I hope that you take some time this week to sit with God and ask Him to show you what you need to become filled so that you are overflowing. Then make a plan and schedule time to do them on a regular basis. If you want to develop a habit of self-care, consider an accountability partner or coaching. To get your free personalized Self-Care Plan, fill out the form below and one will be emailed to you. 

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​Self care isn't just a good idea. It's God's idea.