Daily Devo - Living Wise in Crazy Times, Day #1

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DAY 1: TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD

 

 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.”

Ephesians 5:15, ESV

 

Self care is often criticized in the faith community as being selfish or self-centered. However, Jesus taught the importance of self care in His teaching on the greatest commandments; he said “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-21, ESV).

 

The reality is that in a time such these, we need to really be intentional and careful with our homes and our family. The Apostle Paul warned the Christians in Ephesus “ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15, ESV). Later he said, “But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers” (1 Timothy 5:8, NLT).

 

It’s important to care for yourself and your family so that you can better serve God and others. By taking better care of yourself, you can add years to your life, and longer serve God and others. I would encourage you to spend a little extra time ensuring the emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of your household. For the singles, it may be calling a  nephew or niece, a grandmother or a grandparent.

 

For the parents, it’s ensuring your child has you to talk with. You be there so they can share their concerns and hear from you about your faith and your promise to do everything you can to ensure everyone is cared for.

 

For the married couples, it may be tougher than normal, because you’re having to figure out new work patterns, staying at home, and managing kids’ school activities from home.

 

 My encouragement is to grant extra grace towards one another, try to ensure you are getting “Me time” to refuel, and be sure to get “We time.” Be intentional to get time away to get together. If it’s in the backyard, for a nice evening dinner, do it!

Lastly, take good care of the pets under your care. They depend on you. And they are there for you too. God loves animals. He created millions of them! The Bible says, “Good people are good to their animals” (Proverbs 12:10, MSG). Let’s take care of homes in these days ahead.