Christian people who really want to serve the Lord with willing, servant hearts sometimes neglect their own well-being. Jesus said,
"Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 19:19). And that’s not about being egocentric, but it implies that treating yourself right — respecting that God knows you, made you, has a plan for you (Psalm 139:13-16). Properly caring for yourself, both body and soul, while recognizing that your body is the temple of God becomes the basis for treating others properly(1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
You would take care of your best friend so that he or she could take care of others. You would try to understand that friend, and comfort and strengthen that friend all you could. You need to do the same thing to the person in your mirror, as well! This is not about being selfish, but about being respectful of God's purposes for you!
That means taking care of yourself!
Christian writer Fredrick Buechner put it this way, "A bleeding heart is no help to anybody if it bleeds to death." That means not only taking care of yourself physically, but feeding yourself with divine nourishment from God's Word, being merciful to yourself, accepting the bread of life from Jesus, and accepting God's forgiveness. When we do these things, we are then able to share them with others more completely.
About the Author
Dr. Faulkner was the very first person of note and influence who shared his content with us at
HEARTLIGHT.org beginning in 1996.
Paul Faulkner taught on the Abilene Christian University campus full-time for 35 years. He was honored in 1982 as the university’s Teacher of the Year. He has written several books and was a much sought-after speaker and seminar leader along with his Marriage Enrichment partner, Dr. Carl Brecheen. Dr. Faulkner mentored many ministers and church leaders, shared his loving homespun humor and wisdom through many channels, and endeared himself to thousands. Our dear friend and mentor went to be with the Lord in 2022, but his legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and made better.
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