A Methodist Way of Life 7

Part of ‘A Methodist Way of Life’ is to consider ‘How are we caring for ourselves?’

Self-care is a trendy topic, especially in our society driven by accomplishment and busy-ness.  How do we slow down and make sure that we don't burn out from all the doing?  How do we make sure that we take some time to recharge without feeling guilty that we're not accomplishing?  Without feeling that we're wasting our time being lazy or self-indulgent? These self-care tips are meant to help you not only slow down and recharge, but also to help you reconnect with God in every season of your life, especially those that seem arid or overwhelming.

Should Christians Practice Self-Care?

At first glance, the practice of self-care might seem rather...well, selfish, self-centred. We're told that "you need to take care of you", and that "you can't fill from an empty cup".  (That second one is 100% true.) The Bible says to “love your neighbour as you love yourself” (Mark 12:31 NIV). It commands husbands to “love their wives as their own bodies…after all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church” (Ephesians 5:28-29 NIV). 

It’s not a commandment. But it is a given that we will take care of ourselves, that we do treat ourselves with love and consideration. 

The practice of self-care might also call to mind slogans like "you deserve this", "give yourself a treat".

All this focus on the self.  Is that really Christian?

Well, as it turns out, there is a really good Biblical basis for practicing self-care.  But Christian self-care isn't the same as you find in the rest of the world: manicures and spa days and expensive jewellery and fancy chocolate.  It's more like soul-care than like buy-fancy-stuff-and-leave-me-alone-care.

Jesus absolutely came to take care of spiritual needs and “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). But you’ll find that he also had compassion for and healed the sick (Matthew 14:14), fed the hungry (Matthew 15:32), and drove out demons (Mark 1:34). He also found worth and value in the souls of people who didn’t feel valued in society – the Samaritan woman (John 4), the bleeding woman (Mark 5), and the paralysed man (Mark 2), for example.

God’s compassion  for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs extends to you and me too, friends. It’s not for everyone except you.

Lord, lift me up for Your blessings today. I pray that you will anoint me with strength and self care today, tomorrow and always. I pray that you will grace me with patience and wisdom. I pray that You will encourage me throughout the day to take the correct steps to walk proudly, and behave well. I pray all of these things in Your name! Amen.