By David ReayWednesday 5 Dec 2018LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 1 minute
Read Acts 20:28
28 “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)
If we are to care for others we first need to care for ourselves. Paul makes this point to the leaders of the church in Ephesus. They have a weighty responsibility in that church and need to care for and guard the church. But he suggests that they have to care for themselves too.
This may seem a bit selfish, but it makes sense. If I run myself into the ground I will be unable to care for others. If I neglect my own spiritual health I will both be unable and unwilling to care for others. Unless I am in a reasonably good place I can’t help others be in a good place.
Of course, there are times when we put ourselves out for others and of course we don’t assume the world or the church revolves around our own interests and needs. But sacrificial service is not the same as self-neglect. Even as I consider others’ interests above my own, it does not mean I ignore my own interests.
As has been said, a bleeding heart is no help to anybody if it bleeds to death.
Blessings
David Reay