“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” — Proverbs 24:10 NIV

Not having the physical strength to overcome an illness is not something we should scoff at, because it could just as easily happen to us. We can look upon the misfortunes of another and feel sorry for them and their weakness but we certainly should never mock them, nor should we gloat over an enemy’s demise, because we too are human.

Instead, when we see life unfold badly for others we can be challenged to make an effort to prevent those circumstances from happening in our own lives. This is what’s called self care. We must care for ourselves or we will become unable to care for others. There is nothing noble in sacrificing your health in the pursuit of recognition at your job or by your peers.

Years ago I attended a pastor’s conference where a fellow minister was talking to us about self care. He made the comment that we pastors over work because we think we are so valuable to our churches. He said, If you drop dead of heart attack today, tomorrow they’ll forget about you and form a search committee for your replacement.

A year later he unexpectedly died and I shockingly watched his words come true.