Prioritizing Your Health Isn’t Selfish: It’s Biblical Stewardship
- Amy Diane Ross
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Somewhere along the way, many Christian women were taught that caring for themselves is selfish, that if we pause to rest, say “no,” or set a boundary, we’re somehow failing to “die to self.” But this thinking misses the heart of God. Scripture shows us that stewarding our physical, emotional, and spiritual health is not selfish; it’s an act of obedience to the One who entrusted our lives to us.
1. The Bible Calls Us to Stewardship, Not Self-Neglect
Mark 12:31 says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus didn’t say to love others instead of yourself. He assumed that we would care for ourselves well and, from that place, love others.
Our life, body, and calling are gifts from God, and as with any gift, He expects us to steward them faithfully. Ignoring our health and running ourselves into exhaustion doesn’t honor Him; it hinders our ability to serve the way He intended.
2. Jesus Modeled Healthy Rhythms and Boundaries
Even the Son of God, who came to serve and give His life for many, practiced intentional self-care:
He withdrew to pray: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
He rested: Jesus slept peacefully through storms (Mark 4:38)
He said no: He walked away from specific demands to stay aligned with His mission, Luke 4:42-43
He received care: Others ministered to Him, feeding and anointing Him, John 12:2-3
Jesus wasn’t selfish. He was wise. He knew that fulfilling His calling required rest, connection with the Father, and boundaries that protected His purpose.
3. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
Trying to serve from a place of spiritual, emotional, and physical depletion leads to burnout. Scripture reminds us:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
When we care for the temple God entrusted to us, we serve others with strength and joy instead of exhaustion and resentment.
4. Boundaries Are Wisdom, Not Lack of Faith
Saying “no” doesn’t make you less faithful; it can make you more fruitful. Healthy boundaries guard your mind, emotions, and energy so you can say “yes” to what truly matters.
Setting boundaries is not unloving; it’s wisdom
Staying healthy isn’t vanity; it’s obedience
Filling your cup isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary preparation for ministry
5. Self-Care Is Part of Your Kingdom Assignment
Sometimes caring for your soul means counseling, rest, nourishing your body, or spending time with God, not for the next lesson or message, but to abide in Him. God’s people need you whole, not worn down. The healthiest version of you, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, is better equipped to love, teach, serve, and disciple others for the glory of God.
Conclusion: Rest in God’s Care, Walk in His Wisdom
Friend, caring for yourself isn’t betraying your faith, it’s living it out. Love yourself enough to rest. Respect your calling sufficiently to heal. Trust God enough to say “no” when He’s asking you to.
You are not the Savior. He is. And He desires that you walk in the freedom, rest, and fullness that only comes from abiding in Him and stewarding well the life He has given you.
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