Scripturally Scrutinizing the Concept of Self-care Part 3

Scripturally Scrutinizing the Concept of Self-care Part 3


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

From our last time together, I shared that our Savior took the command of a resting Sabbath seriously, so He did not see it as a suggestion. For our Lord Jesus it was about renewal and trust in God.

But what happens when self-care becomes averse to our Adonai’s (God) call and application of self-care situated in Scripture? This week’s entry is a continuation of contradictions of self-care that is inconsistent with Christ our Lord’s call and standard concerning self-care.

Smitten and Sold out to Self-Idolatry:
When self-care becomes a system of self-worship and the prioritizing of personal pleasures and comfort, as well as the self-actualization that ascends above God, it deviates and descends into idolatry.
The attention should always advance the adoration and exaltation of God with our bodies and lives. Remember God’s home and houses of worship is not in buildings made by human heads, hands, and heart. Our Heavenly Father founded our heads and hearts for His home and temple.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Avoiding Spiritual Disciplines
When self-care replaces time with God, such as postponing prayer, worship, or substituting Scripture for entertainment, it’s spiritually unbalanced. From the Word of God, we understand that our Lord Jesus Himself withdrew to rest and pray, not to binge on worldly pleasures. Luke 5:16

Christian self-care isn’t selfish. Biblical self-care is about stewardship, not indulgence. It’s not about placing yourself above others but spiritually sustaining your well-being so you can serve God and others with strength and joy.

Now let’s look at what I deem Hands-on Holy Habits Biblical Self-Care.

  • Commit to Compassionate and Civic Consideration: Carry one another’s burdens through prayer, encouragement, and practical help, sharing emotional support. Galatians 6:2

  • Forward and Fix Yourself in the Lord’s Love: Regularly remind yourself of God’s unconditional love demonstrated in Christ, anchoring your self-worth in His grace. John 3:16

  • Seek and Secure a Sabbath Rest: God commands us to set aside a day for rest and worship, pausing regular work to renew physically and spiritually. Exodus 20:8–10

  • Be Resolute in Mental Rejuvenation: Commit daily to Scripture meditation and prayer, allowing God to transform your thought patterns. Romans 12:2

  • Commit to Temple Maintenance: Recognize your body as God’s temple—nourish it with wholesome food, adequate sleep, and healthy movement. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

  • Fasttrack Faith over Fear: Combat anxiety by affirming that God’s Spirit in you is one of power, love, and self-control, not fear. 2 Timothy 1:7

  • Engage in Emotional Edification: Foster joy in your heart, remembering that “a cheerful heart is good medicine” for your well-being. Proverbs 17:22

  • Stay Gripped by Gratitude: Keep a daily gratitude list or journal, intentionally thanking God for His provision and care.

  • Forward Fasting and Focus: Engage in periodic fasting to sharpen spiritual focus and deepen dependence on God’s strength.

  • Seriously, Strategically Safeguard Your Heart: Monitor what you watch, read, and listen to, and align your emotions and heart with Godly principles to protect inner peace.

In closing, we must secure a self-care that showcases our Savior and silences the screams of sinful self-care by submitting to the Spirit of God.

Not a sermon, just some thoughts.
FtGG

Sarah King