When my children were younger, I frequently traveled for my work as a senior pastor of a growing church. When they grew older, they became active in sports and other activities. Consequently, flying slowed down dramatically.
Now that my children are older and living their lives, I’m flying again. When I board the plane and take my seat, I find myself paying more attention to an old familiar message from the flight attendant.
In the event of an emergency, please put on your oxygen mask before assisting others.
During past trips, I never actually paid attention to the flight attendant’s message. On this particular day, I did, and it hit me like a ton of bricks: You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Let that sink in for a moment. What does it mean? Simply put: If you don’t put your mask on first, you won’t be there for others when they need you. You will be unconscious.
[shareable]You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others. [/shareable]
Our natural tendency is to do for others, because we are caring, loving, nurturing, responsible, supportive and competent people. However, just like the oxygen mask, we need to take care of ourselves so we can effectively take care of the people we love.
What Stands in the Way of Caring For Yourself
The most common barrier is the belief that we are selfish if we do for ourselves. Selfishness lacks consideration for others or concern with one’s pleasure or profit. This is not what caring for yourself is. Taking care of one’s self is self-care.
To some self-care sounds selfish. However, learning to take care of yourself is crucial if you are going to take care of others. The question becomes, what is your oxygen mask and where to begin? For each of us, the answer is different. Here are a few masks to get started.
The Mask of Humility
Peter encourages believers to humble themselves.
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:7-9
This would be an act of the will; humility does not come naturally. But when the believers humbled themselves under the mighty hand of God, they were submitting to his care and protection.
The reference to God’s “mighty hand” was often used in the Old Testament to describe God’s power (as when he delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 13:3). To truly humble themselves, believers need to accept life’s struggles as part of God’s providence. Not only are you encouraged to put on The Mask of Humility, you’re also encouraged to put on The Mask of Trust.
[shareable]To truly humble themselves, believers need to accept life’s struggles as part of God’s providence.[/shareable]
The Mask of Trust
Peter explained that the believers who continued to carry their worries, anxieties, stresses, and daily struggles by themselves showed that they had not trusted God fully. It takes humility, however, to turn everything (literally, “throw your anxieties”) over to God and trust that he cares.
God is not indifferent; He knows what he’s doing in our lives. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity. Don’t submit to circumstances, but to the Lord, who controls circumstances. Not only are you encouraged to put on The Mask of Trust, finally, you’re encouraged to put on The Mask of Prayer.
[shareable]Don’t submit to circumstances, but to the Lord, who controls circumstances.[/shareable]
The Mask of Prayer
How do we cast all care upon God? Try this simple prayer:
Heavenly Father, you know what problems I face today. You know where I will meet discouragement, and where I may feel too weak to go on. You know that most of my anxiety is over worldly pursuits that won’t matter when I am with you in eternity. Today I will trust you each hour for the strength, wisdom, and love to make this day worthwhile. In all my busyness today, let me feel all your joy. Amen.
What “oxygen masks” do you reach for, anchor in, or use that might be helpful to others?
Sources: Bruce B. Barton, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 1995), 136-137.
