The Importance of Taking Care of Our Bodies
By Laura Bailey
“Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.” 1 Timothy 5:23 NIV
“I’ve reached out to all the teachers and let them know that I won’t be available for the next few days.”
“Snacks, school lunches, and afternoon munchies are packed and labeled for each day.”
“The girls' clothes, including underwear, socks, shoes, and hair accessories, are labeled by day on the dining room table.”
“The after-school activities are printed on the fridge, and I scheduled calendar reminders to your phone.”
“Dinners for the next two days are in the fridge; then, there are multiple options in the freezer for a few days after that.”
It was the night before my procedure, and I was going through the checklist with my husband. While the surgery wasn’t overly complicated, the recovery process was at least a week, followed by weeks of restricted activity. I made lists for my lists, checked every box twice, and had back-ups for my back-ups, yet I still couldn’t shake the guilt of leaving my girls.
The last few years, through three pregnancies, chasing toddlers, and now shuttling kids all over creation, I’d experienced a significant amount of pain and discomfort. My mom asked why I didn’t see a doctor, my friends encouraged me to take care of myself, and my husband multiple times urged me to get help. Yet, months and years passed, and my comfort took a back seat to caring for my children.
Finally, I made the appointment and scheduled the procedure. All the while feeling guilty for the money we would sacrifice, the time away from the kids, and the burden I would be placing on others to fill in the gap while I recovered.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Why do we neglect our health, telling ourselves that it is selfish to take time to take care of our bodies?
Why do we feel paralyzed with guilt and shame for asking for help from our husbands, families, and friends?
I am often encouraged by Paul’s words to Timothy in our key verse, 1 Timothy 5:23. Paul is closing his letter to Timothy after a lengthy discord on how Timothy should handle himself and his congregation. Paul admonishes and encourages Timothy to cling to his faith, remaining pure and upright, as he faces conflict and discord among the believers. In most of the letter, Paul writes to Timothy about taking care of his spiritual health, but in what would appear to be a randomly placed spot in his closing remarks, Paul reminds Timothy to take care of his physical health.
Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly what health problems Timothy was dealing with. But, we know that Timothy chose to avoid fermented juice as a spiritual measure, even though it could have helped alleviate his symptoms. We should be careful not to get hung up on the method in which Paul encourages Timothy, but instead, take away that caring for our physical health is important. Paul knew that Timothy would need strength as he battled spiritual attacks and wanted Timothy to take care of his health so he could do what God called him to.
Friend, if you are in a similar situation, let me encourage you to let go of the guilt. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown health crisis; maybe it’s getting your hair cut or taking the day to catch up with an old friend. Taking care of our physical and mental health today will reap benefits for our spiritual health, too.
I don’t take the village that stepped in my absence for granted. I will be forever grateful for the meals, the practice drop-offs, and the ( even later) nights my husband pulled while I was recovering. I look forward to the day I can return the favor, even though none of my tribe would expect any sort of re-payment for their kindness.
If you are fortunate to have people in your life who are willing to watch your children for a few days or even a few hours so that you can rest, relax, or recover, take them up on the offer. Shut down the feelings of guilt and feelings of less-than, because you are taking time to prioritize your health.
So schedule the procedure you’ve been putting off, book the appointments you’ve been neglecting to make, and leave the guilt behind.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, and let it out slowly, releasing your shoulders and the muscles in your neck. How do you feel? Are there parts of your body that you’ve been neglecting? Make a plan to address any lingering health issues or take care of your basic needs.
Reach out to your family, friends, and church community, and share with them that you need help. Allow them to come alongside you as you care for your physical health.
For Further Reading:
Taking Care of Your Body is Worship
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/dragana991
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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