Godly Self-CareНамуна

What Exactly is Godly Self-Care?

Coined in the 1950s, self-care isn't a new concept. But in the last few years, it seems as if you can't scroll social media, browse aisles lined with magazines, or scan literature without being reminded of the need for self-care. Self-care isn't harmful, but like anything intended for good, humans can become overindulgent, turning a neutral thing into an idol. The danger with self-care is you easily slip into a mentality of self-centeredness. We need God’s truth to help us understand the concept of how to take care of ourselves in a godly way and not slip into a self-promoting world of our own making.

Self-care seems like a good idea; I think most people would agree that we want to stay as healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally as possible. We want to be people who are sharp, focused, and purposeful. We want to live with intentionality and give meaning to ourselves and those around us. With all the outside stressors in our individual worlds, it’s a full-time job to just take care of ourselves! Not to mention the stress with family, cooking healthy choices, shopping for necessities, and making sure you and your family get the proper amount of health care and appropriate amount of rest.

Unfortunately, however, many people view self-care as a luxury, leaving many with feelings of overwhelm, weariness, tiredness, and ill-equipped to manage life's inevitable challenges. Self-care is not an evil idea. Taking care of yourself as you need to be cared for is not a sin. It need not be self-indulgent or selfish. In all actuality, self-care is an important habit to better focus on Jesus. There are ways you can better care for yourself without over-indulging.

Self-care is a necessity. It’s easy to get burdened by a flood of self-driven, egotistical, and self-absorbed methods. So, let’s think about this challenge differently. Think of self-care as your outer shield. For those of us who wear our “heart on our sleeve,” we need ways to protect ourselves without forgoing all of our boundaries. We must dress for the battle and fight to protect ourselves so that you can be your best for your family and all of the people you care about. Not to mention, the person God has created you to be.