At a young age, my grandson was obsessed with penguins. He memorized the names of multiple species. His miniature collection accompanied him everywhere. During a family vacation, we visited a zoo with a penguin room. He was in seventh heaven and could have spent the entire vacation there.
MANDATORY SELF-CARE
Recently, I admired a beautiful online photo of penguins, and these fond memories flooded back. I did a quick look-up of penguin facts. Did you know that penguins preen several times a day? Throughout the day, they frequently clean themselves with their beaks. Penguins also have a gland they use to oil themselves. Their fastidious rituals not only keep them clean but also maintain their natural waterproofing. These lovely creatures know that “self-care” is mandatory.
SPIRITUAL SELF-CARE
The term “self-care” has gained considerable popularity in recent years. Go online; there is a plethora of information regarding caring for our physical and mental well-being. But what about spiritual self-care? 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has a value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
The term “self-care” seems counterintuitive to the Christian walk. Spiritual self-care sounds selfish. But is it? I do not think so. Self-care is simply the steps we take in maturing our faith. The closer we walk with God, the easier it is to love others and live in spiritual freedom. Our spiritual self-care habits grow us into who God means us to be: godly.
A CHECK-UP
How is your spiritual self-care? Do you dwell in His Word as often as you should? Is your prayer life fervent? Are you thankful and praise Him? If you are like me, improvement is necessary. I want to live a life that fulfills Paul’s prayer for the Church in Colossae found in Colossians 1: 9-12. Paul prayed with a thorough list in mind. He asked God to fill the Colossians with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they could live a life worthy of the Lord. Thus, they would please God in every way. Paul petitioned God that they would bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God. That the Colossians would be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so they would have great endurance and patience. To top it off, He prayed they would joyfully give thanks to the Father, Who qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints into the kingdom of light.
That prayer is a hefty request, but totally within the will of God for our lives. This style of living requires the work of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual disciplines on our part through our spiritual self-care practices.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit, for your love and guidance. May my prayer be the same as Paul’s, asking for the right gifts to grow my faith in You. Thank You for the examples You provide in nature and allowing us to enjoy your creation. May the penguins serve as a reminder for us to be diligent in our spiritual self-care so that we can live our Christian lives as You intended. Amen
Click for further thoughts on Paul’s prayers for your spiritual growth.