This is something I’ve been pondering for months now and just recently God granted me a beautiful glimpse of some clarity on the subject. So let’s dive in, shall we?

What the Bible says about self care and where (I think) we’re getting it wrong. 

For many years I’ve heard the term “self care” floating around and it always seems to be surrounding something such as a massage, pedicure, facial, or something that seemingly could (potentially) glorify us in the end. Now, please hear me out, I’m not saying that any of those things are bad. I’m simply saying that I think we really need to take a good, deep look at our soul and if we’re doing it just for us, or to “keep up with the Jones’s”, or if it actually is to fill our cups so we can pour out more Jesus.

I used to ride along in the same boat, because all those things are good, right? Well, sure, but if we’re not spending quality time with our Creator, then how do we expect that we can adequately pour out Him and His love after something potentially self serving?

Truth –
God dwells in us (1 Cor 3:16). When we ask and accept the Holy Spirit to come in and live in our hearts (effectively surrendering ourselves (Job 11:13)) we are inviting the God of the universe to make His home in us.

Because we’ve been given earthly bodies, it is not only them that need care,  but also our spirit-filled souls that Christ inhabits. So, when the Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, that’s actually a thing (1 Cor 3:16-17, 1 Cor 6:19).

Yes, we do need to steward our bodies well by taking care of them. No argument there.

But, self care also means taking care and being sensitive of our spiritual needs.

Now, I know as well as you do that we can’t pour from an empty cup, but let’s make that cup about more than simply the physical things that help our bodies. Let’s make it about the precious time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Let’s start the focus shift today.

Imagine getting a pedicure and instead of gossiping or chatting about this or that with your girlfriend. Try having a conversation about something uplifting, and encouraging. Doesn’t have to be so deep, but maybe you’ll end up planting a seed with your cosmetologist. Who knows what might happen if we begin to change the narrative?

Being a city on hill (Matt 5:14), as we are by being children of God, means that we should be using any and every opportunity to encourage, to build up, to plant seeds and water others. We’re called to a higher standard and while I know that’s not the “funnest” thing to hear, it’s an admonishment that God has been pouring into my dry soul. “How are you shining my light, daughter or son?”

My prayer for you today is that self care does not become an idol, or something that you cut Jesus out of, but that more than anything that your self care time becomes something you cherish and hold close to your heart because it’s the time where you sit with Jesus and He fills your cup and refreshes you in more ways than any human could.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 AMPC