September 12, 2008
“In the event that our cabin pressure should change, an oxygen mask will be released from the overhead compartment. Please place the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping small children or others who may need assistance.” -Airline safety announcement
I’ve always thought the stewardess’ announcement sounded a little cruel. You know, why not put the mask on your kids first? Aren’t they valuable? Don’t they require immediate attention? Of course they do, but the reality is that you can’t help your children, “IF YOU ARE DEAD!”
That is a powerful spiritual truth for today’s devotion. The idea is that if you are not healthy spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally, then you can’t be very effective in the lives of the people you love. It’s the Law of the Lid. You can’t take people any higher than you yourself can, or are willing, to go. In other words, you can’t give people what you don’t have!
Years ago, a visiting pastor by the name of Ron Dunn shared something with me I will never forget. He said, “The key to having a long-term ministry is to live a long time.” We both laughed but he is exactly right. You’re no good to your family if you’re dead.
One of the areas that often gets overlooked is our physical body. God takes your physical health very seriously because He lives inside of you!
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” – I Corinthians 6:19-20
I often see two extremes when it comes to the concepts people have about their bodies. The first is, some people worship the temple. They don’t worship the ONE in the temple, but the temple itself. These are the people who spend countless hours trying to look better. Each week they work out religiously at the gym and spend all kinds of money to improve their appearance. But here’s the crucial problem: whenever you worship the temple, your body—something that’s guaranteed to change—you’ll feel insecure. The other extreme is just as harmful—people who trash the temple. They neglect their bodies completely and couldn’t care less about their overall health. Whether it’s avoiding exercise, eating too much, smoking, or other harmful habits, disregard for your body’s well-being adds up. It reduces both the quantity and quality of your life.
If you knew God was coming to your house for dinner tonight, wouldn’t you want to pick up, clean, and prepare for His visit? You need to realize that God lives in your house right now. He lives in you. Your body is the temple of God, and that’s why it’s so important to take care of yourself and cultivate physical energy.
Today’s Challenge:
How would you rate your health in each of these four areas—spiritual, physical, emotional, relational—from one (terrible) to ten (fantastic)? What’s the greatest barrier to improving your health in these areas? What can you do to eliminate this barrier?
I suppose the gist of this week is to redeem my time – where ever I am. This is my time – not yesterday or tomorrow, not some other situation or some other important position. I do not get to choose my time; time chooses me and I am where I am for a reason. My mission is one of a single person striving to be Christ-minded, a mission of an employer to a staff of 30 on whose lives I leave a footprint, a mission of a loyal friend, a mission to be a compassionate & loving daughter, a mission to love all & be Christ-like. It is not a grand or glorious mission, but it is uniquely mine & my responsibility. This is where God has placed me for a reason and it is a huge & sometimes overwhelming responsibility! Ergo, I cannot run on empty! Physically & relationally speaking, I persevere. Emotionally & spiritually, I am too often thirsty & hungry, in need of spiritual replenishment! Thanks for the devotions!
Your mission is both grand and glorious…You have inspired me today…God's call on your life is as important as Billy Graham's call on his. He only made one Billy but He only made one you…..Be you…………………………………..
Thanks for the words Jeff, they really help while I am away at work.
Thanks for the message. Being so far away from home and the family I sometimes fill like it does not matter what I do or say. You woke me up with the devotion, there are others who watch and it matters to them what I do, say and how I act. Thanks for the slap in the face, I needed it!!!
David,
We pray for you and your family. I hope you feel encouraged today……
I signed the pledge card, but haven't been doing it. A friend who is going through a divorce just as I am called and asked me to go somewhere I don't belong. As I was getting ready, I felt completely sad and despaired. I called my friend and cancelled, put on my pajamas, and printed out this devotion. I didn't get through the first paragraph before I just broke down, and the water levels that have been rising inside of me for months and months all came flooding out. I just cried like a baby and talked out loud to God for an hour or more. I started writing without thought, just purging everything that I couldn't admit to or let go of for so long. God is right here with me, so why do I always keep going back to doing it my way? God is protecting me from my own self-destructive ways right now when I am so vulnerable. I don't know if I will read another devotion tomorrow, but I know that He will continue to draw me back into him.
K, I am sorry to hear of your present circumstance but I am happy to hear of your choice, I think it was a good one – you needed it! Please allow me to encourage you to continue in the devotions. I don't have it all figured-out but I've been in your shoes & I've learned that whether one is married, divorced or single, one's contentment must be found in Christ alone. I've learned when we look to others (spouses, friends, or even family), for our contentment & fulfillment we are surely disappointed. (Been there, done that – it is a misplaced faith). All of us must be healthy in all aspects – physical, relational, spiritual & emotional – to be of any earthly good to ourselves & others. I know you believe God – and He loves you and if we continue in our pilgrimage…He is faithful to restore our joy! You have HIS promise! Keep wearing the oxygen mask and be restored so you can assist your friend & others! Stay Strong!