06/03/2020
As Christians, our lives our imbued with a notion of self-sacrifice. We are a missional in our life approach, meaning we want to “Save everyone” but often forget that the first person who needs saving is “YOU”. We follow Christ’s example, laying down our lives for our friends and family, especially when they are involved with substance use disorder.
We feel a sense of urgency and self- responsibility towards them, as though if we don’t do this and that, they may be lost forever. We are called to provide support for the marginalized, suffering and addicted. Our vocations radiate service. Self-sacrifice is a fiber of our being as Christians, as it very-well should be.
We pause at the notion of stepping back and focusing on our own bodies, minds, souls, and spirit. We are quick to indulge the distorted idea that self-care isn’t Christian because it’s “not directly at service of Christ and His Church.” More so when it comes to attending to our loved ones struggling with addiction, we find it very difficult to say NO or I can’t and Am unable at this time. This is because we feel that such statement represent lack of LOVE. However, we must remember that the Bible says “We should love others as we Love ourselves” so lack of self- care and healthy self- love is anti- Bible instructions.
But I think God might disagree for two reasons.
1. We are called to be stewards.
At its core, self-care& self – love is all about being good stewards of our bodies, minds, spirit and souls in order to become the best version of ourselves. In Genesis, God commands us to take care of all His creation. And guess what? That includes us. We are His handiwork, and He wants us to flourish and thrive in beauty and love, not be tossed aside or neglected, whatever the motivation.
2. We can’t give what we don’t have.
We’ve all heard that we can’t give what we don’t have, and this remains true when it comes to taking care of others, especially those in recovery. There are so many demands on our time and attention as individuals - family, work, children, friends, volunteer work—and if we don’t take the time to tend to ourselves, our well will dry up rather quickly. We will have nothing left to give.
When it comes to things we care about like our family and our work, none of us aim to give the very last leftover bits of ourselves. Rather, we desire to give the very best of ourselves. So when we take care of ourselves, we are filled up, renewed, and restored so we can offer the Lord and the people around us the very best of who we are.
