Scripturally Scrutinizing the Concept of Self-care

Scripturally Scrutinizing the Concept of Self-care

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

Question: Are you doing a good job of taking care of yourself?

As we consider this week’s blog, context and consideration of terms will be critical.

The concept of self-care can be confusing, in addition to creating conflict in the hearts of believers. As servants and children of God, we are called to deny and die to self, and take up the cross and follow the Lord daily.

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

However, there is a distinct contrast between Christian self-care and carnal self-care.

Let’s begin with a solid definition of self-care.

Self-care is the personal prioritization and practice of taking thoughtful actions to preserve or advance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s not just the frivolity of one’s favorite indulgence fixed in a “me time” format. It’s about recognizing your needs and making choices that support your health and contentment.

Biblically speaking, self-care can be set in scripture, albeit the term itself doesn’t surface in scripture, but the principles behind it are profoundly rooted in biblical instruction. Let’s consider some limited, significant themes that support the idea of self-care from a biblical viewpoint:

Our Father God has ordained and called us to prioritize rest, or giving the mind and body a break. The prioritization of personal rest was displayed by our Father God.

Genesis 2:1–3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

It’s important to note that the word rested in this text is the word Shabath, which means “to cease” or “to stop.” It doesn’t imply that God was drained or exhausted. What is conveyed in the text is that God ceased from His creative activity. Our Father God had completed His work of creation in six days, and on the seventh day, He stopped. His cessation from work was a thoughtful and purposeful act, signifying the close and excellence of creation.

Sabbath rest is a commandment from the Lord God and should never be inferred as a suggestion. Simply put, it’s about revitalization of the body, mind, and spirit, and trust in God.

In addition to being pilgrims and strangers in this world, we are also running HIS race, and we must replenish to finish.

Join me next week as we seek to secure and maintain a biblical view of self-care.

Not a sermon, just some thoughts.
FtGG