Those influenced by a legalistic a.k.a. “religious” version of self-denial too easily come to see themselves as just means to an end, merely instruments of God’s will on earth. People who teach this and those who become religious addicts change self-denial into denying the very self God created them as.

Instead of growing in a healthy manner, they come to deny who they are in terms of their abilities, giftedness, needs, hurts, etc. As I heard many times in the 1970’s, I would also say today, Jesus does not make people into freaks. His grace and salvation makes humans with all of our freakiness into people who become more fully human.

Do you perceive God primarily views you as an instrument for his work in the world? If so, then you may either lack motivation for self-care or it may just become another duty. You are more than an instrument for God’s work on earth. You are a human being made in the image of God, a little lower than the angles for a relationship with God in Christ Jesus. Your life and identity is much more than your work or role, yes even in the church.

When God made our first parents, he called us his creation good. As a Christian, your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and something good created by God. How you use your mind does matter to God and to your own health. Jesus calls you to watch over your heart so that you remain fully live.

Neither Jesus nor Judaism taught a demoting attitude toward our bodies. A fourth century ascetic Church Father, John Chrysostom, saying “We do not wish to cast aside the body, but corruption; not flesh. . . . What is foreign to us is not the body but corruptibility.”

Sometimes the intellectualization of our own humanness or some wound in our heart keeps us from celebrating our own bodies. Often these struggles with our own bodies are wrapped up with our views concerning emotions, rest, playfulness and even humor as Christians.

Will you care for your mind, your soul, your heart as one greatly loved and deeply valued by God? Ever think of demonstrating your love for God by showing your body some love by reasonable cardio exercise, flexibility routines, etc? I recently heard a Christian martial artist from Korea say ‘stretching daily is one way to show your body you love yourself.

One of the early church fathers, said the glory of God is man (men and women) fully alive. Does your spouse, children, very close friends and colleagues in ministry think that you need to get a life? If you are not sure, then ask them. Are you fully alive? If not, when will you begin getting your life back?

I knew a young couple with young children who got their life back. First, they no longer said yes to every request. Second, that boundary provided the some needed time for good self-care. When they made these decisions, I could feel new energy in their home, see new vitality in their eye, and hear renewed joy in their voices. What about you?