Showing Love for OURSELVES
During the month of February, Monday Meditations is looking at how we, as Corpath members, are called show love to different people in different ways. Some of the thoughts over the next few weeks might surprise you.
Last week, we talked about how love comes from God. In fact, God is love. We noted that when we act in love, we show that we are his children. We also know that everyone is worthy of God’s love, including you.
And this is where we will go today… showing love for OURSELVES. .
As I work with leaders from all different levels in organizations, I’m struck with the observation that many of them simply put themselves last in their relationships with others in the organization. That means their regard for themselves most often takes a backseat to everyone else that needs their help and support.
You might ask:
“Doesn’t being a servant leader mean that we are supposed to put the needs of everyone else first?”
As I help others grow in their leadership maturity, it seems to me this concept might need some rethinking. For instance, when leaders have a high level of awareness and regard for themselves, they actually increase their ability to serve others and offer a higher level of quality. When leaders continually give to others, often at their personal expense, their tanks decrease and the quality of their leadership goes down. Their ability to offer exactly what the people need with high-value is diminished. That’s why I strongly encourage leaders to ”take better care of themselves so they can take better care of those people around them”. Makes sense, right?
Now, let’s take this thought and apply it to Christian principles. Are we actually called to love ourselves?
As Christ followers, we have, perhaps in error, adopted the idea that putting any focus on ourselves is considered selfish, and not selfless.
We know that the Bible says our body is a temple and we need to do our best to take care of ourselves physically. We also know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and the intricate pieces of our lives truly reveal God’s creativity, and love for us. Yet, we act in ways that conveys the message that having less regard for ourselves displays a deep Christian commitment and love for others.
Matthew 22:35-40 says this:
“One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
The first commandment is that we love God with everything we have. Makes sense. Of course we all believe that and strive to practice it. Nothing, not even ourselves, should come as priority before our love for God.
However, it also says the second commandment is equally as important. Equally. We often stop our thinking at the word “neighbour”. But it goes on just a little bit further, and says ”as ourselves”. Did you catch that? Personally, I don’t think it’s un-Christian to love ourselves. To see ourselves as God does. To love what he has created in us; our gifts, talents, character, etc.
Using some of the checklist from 1 Corinthians 13, as discussed last week, do we really treat ourselves with love? Let’s explore it.
Are you patient and kind with yourself when you make mistakes?
Do you continually remember your past mistakes and errors, and allow them to define who you are today?
Do you act as though there are negative things that God simply cannot overlook in you? Things that he cannot, or will not help you overcome?
Is there anything you are feeling hopeless about today?
Do you fall into the trap of negative self-talk about certain subjects?
If you’re going to be brutally honest with yourself, I think you may not like some of your answers. In fact, they may reveal areas in which you just simply do not love yourself.
Perhaps, it would be a good idea for you to share your thoughts and answers at your next Corpath forum group meeting.
If you want to drive a little bit deeper into this idea, here are some scripture references to consider…
Psalm 139:14
Ephesians 5:29
Proverbs 19:8
Ephesians 2:10
No doubt, this topic can be quite controversial and might prompt lots of discussion or debate among believers. My intent here is to show that we are all God’s workmanship, and, without being boastful or proud, need to wholly and joyously accept who he intended us to be and love ourselves as one of his greatest creations.
In other words, loving ourselves, as God created us to be, can in itself be an act of praise and worship.
My Prayer:
God, I think you for getting my attention today. I admit, I often do not give myself enough regard when I think about your handiwork when creating me. I read in your word that you put me together while I was still in the womb and had a vision for my life that I cannot even comprehend. I praise you for loving me and directing my paths in every direction. Help me to also see and joyously accept how wonderful I am through your eyes. Amen.
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
