During my almost 3 year recovery from total burnout, I discovered my hidden sin of self-neglect. I was the classic case of the woman who sets herself on fire to keep others warm. Somehow I thought I was doing the righteous thing to sacrifice myself for others until…
I ended up with blown out adrenal glands and suffering with so much anxiety that I could barely leave my house. I was of no service to my family, my church, my business, or the world when the best I could do some days was brush my teeth.
I had to learn how to put myself and my own personal needs in proper perspective. In order to recover and maintain my health, I had to learn how to love myself without crossing over into the dangerous world of self-worship.
I discovered that the first and greatest commandment held the key. I don’t know how I missed it all those years, but I cling to it for my life now:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 NIV
Love your neighbor as yourself. All of my church-going life I had been taught about the importance of loving my neighbor, but I had never been taught how to love myself. It’s as much a commandment as loving others.
Loving yourself is as sacred as loving your neighbor. But you must resist the trick of satan. It’s his job to pervert all that is righteous and holy. Self-love can turn into self-worship without the help of the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Here are keys:
- Self-love is valuing yourself as equally important as others.
- Self-worship is valuing yourself as more important than others.
- Self-love is including your needs and wants without excluding those of others.
- Self-worship is taking what you need and want while excluding those of others.
- Self-love says “I matter, too.”
- Self-worship says “I’m the only one that matters.”
- Self-love is inspired from God. Self-worship is demonic.
Self-love will not only lead to a happier and healthier way of life for you, but it will also enhance your relationships and leadership. Trust me, loving and leading people from a full cup is far better than serving from an empty one.
