In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God, who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.
Deuteronomy 1: 32-33
I know my love for my children causes me to instinctively put their needs before my own, but this is not always wise. Consider the flight safety instructions that we receive before take - off. In the event of an emergency we are advised to place our oxygen mask on first before assisting minors or anyone else. These are practical instructions since we can provide the best help when we are performing optimally. Our life on earth is often times described as a journey or we may be referred to as pilgrims in a foreign land. If these figurative expressions must be sustained, it is only fitting that we observe travel safety instructions. Selfishness is sometimes good. We must learn to set aside personal time for ourselves and stop putting others’ needs ahead of our own all the time. We must find time for rest, recreation, spiritual rejuvenation and practice healthy lifestyle choices that will promote quality of life. When we are at our best, we can offer the best care to our loved ones.
The same principle can be applied to our spiritual lives. God has commissioned us to preach and teach the good news of salvation. This job can be done more effectively when we are healthy. Therefore, effective missionary work is intrinsically tied to healthy habits. Returning to my analogy with the oxygen mask, just as it is critical to put one’s oxygen mask on first, it is also vital that we feast on the bread of life daily. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25, ESV). When we are filled with God’s words we become less anxious and will naturally have more to share. Daily Bible study is the beginning of the development of a relationship with God. Finally, do not allow your anxieties about your long “To Do” list to deprive you of a good night’s rest. “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12: 25-26, ESV). Rather than worry, pray and allow God’s perfect peace to abide with you. God wants us to succeed, and He has an eternal goal in mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Allow Him to equip you.
Jodian Scott-Banton currently resides in the Turks and Caicos Islands.