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Devotional
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March 23, 2022

Three Essential Elements of Self Care

March 23, 2022 by SHIRLEY RALSTON SELF-CARE Balancing ministry, family, & life Being a woman in ministry Burn out Finding community Health issues on the field Isolation & loneliness Quiet time with the Lord Self-care Spiritual wellness Rest
Three Essential Elements of Self Care
  • by SHIRLEY RALSTON
  • Comment
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1–2

Nancy was a military wife for 30 years. Her experiences raising a family overseas while navigating other cultures made her an invaluable friend and mentor. I’ll never forget her advice: “Take care of your mental health, your spiritual health, and your physical health.” Her wise counsel kept me whole during my years abroad. 


There is much in Scripture about holistic care of the mind, spirit, and body. Paul writes about the renewal of the mind in Romans 12:2, “do not be conformed, but be transformed”. Warren Wiersbe states the idea is best expressed as metamorphosis1 - defined as a change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means. 


The Holy Spirit transforms our minds as He guides our thought processes. In this way, the creeping caterpillar of conformity becomes the transformed butterfly, enabling us to examine our lives from a biblical perspective. 


In 3 John 2, John expresses joy that his friend Gaius is “walking in the truth”. He is acknowledging Gaius’ spiritual strength, but he also prays for his physical strength. John knew that Gaius’ holistic health was vital to his ministry to fellow brothers traveling and preaching the Word. 


It is evident that John and Paul followed Jesus’ example of care for others and himself. Jesus prayed (Luke 5:16) and meditated (Matthew 4:4). He knew when to eat and rest (Mark 6:30-32), and he had a support group (Mark 3:13-14). Jesus’ care for himself was an integral part of carrying out his ministry while he lived on earth. 


Sister, be encouraged, and follow the example of Jesus, Paul, and John. Pay attention to your mental, spiritual, and physical self, areas that are easily overlooked as we serve others. Take to heart the wise words of Elisabeth Elliott, “Work is a blessing… He gives us hands and strength to do it. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experiences of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures.” - Elisabeth Elliott, The Glad Surrender 

1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 542). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. 

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will guide us in the proper care of ourselves so that we will be renewed and strengthened for the work that You have given us to do during this season of life. I pray that as we care for ourselves, we can care for and love others, and continue to make Your name known among the nations. Amen.
Resources
Article: Missionary Self-Care: Ten Resources for Planning your Missionary Self-Care Regimen by Bryon Mondok I like this article because it is full of links to many resources relating to self-care. It’s great to have them all in one place for quick reference.
Book: Serving Well: Help for the Wannabe, Newbie, or Weary Cross-cultural Christian Worker by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter This book is a good resource, written by seasoned global workers, on staying healthy and serving well while on the field. It is written with honesty about the things global workers face and how to combat them in a healthy way.
Question for Reflection

What spiritual disciplines do you practice daily that renew your mind, body and spirit?

Comments
Shirley Ralston
March 23, 2022

Now that I am back in the U.S., the majority of my time is devoted to my family, to writing, and to the ministry of global worker care. I find that prayer and meditation on the Word keeps helps keep intrusive thoughts at bay. The Holy Spirit influences my writing as I contemplate the Word and that process is always good for adjusting any wrong thinking that has crept into my head. The older I get the more I recognize the need to have a healthy lifestyle, through exercise, diet and a strong support network. It keeps my mind clear and focused and gives me the energy to engage in the work the Lord has called me to in this season of life. My time overseas made me aware of how important my own self-care is and so I know how important it is for global workers everywhere. It is one of the biggest areas of the global worker care ministry that I minister in today.