The Deceit of Self-Neglect — A LifeWords Devotion

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. (NLT)

We may sometimes hear of people who think nothing of themselves but simply give everything of who they are to others. This sounds noble but it actually makes no sense and may end up helping no one.

If a person wishes to be of use to another person that helper must take care of themselves. Otherwise, they can’t be of much help. A carer needs respite, an emergency worker needs rest. You can’t give what you haven’t got. You can’t give if you are utterly spent and empty.

Paul spoke the words in our text to church leaders. He wants them to take care of God’s people, but he also wants them to take care of themselves. Someone responsible for the spiritual health of others must ensure he or she is spiritually healthy.

There is a time to sacrificially give, and a time to quietly receive. If all we do is receive we become self-absorbed. If all we do is give we become burnt-out shells. Perhaps we kid ourselves into thinking that God will somehow take care of us as long as we take care of others.

But God makes no such deal with us: God insists we take responsibility for our own self-care, with his help of course. We are to give ourselves to others, but in order to do so, we need to look after ourselves. This is not selfishness but wisdom. None of us can run on empty.

Blessings
David