The Great Commandment directs us to love in three directions: upwardly (God), outwardly (neighbor), and inwardly (one’s self). Much of Christian teaching centers on the first two objectives and largely ignores the third. To be certain, all love starts with and comes from God.

Therefore, God is the first on the priority list of our affections. However, we are urged to love ourselves as much as we do God and one another. Christian author, Lisa Kimrey, imagines God saying to each of us:

 

“I want you to worship Me, Your Lord, through the way you take care of yourself.

It will strengthen your faith and make you well.

Your obedience pleases me and impacts the growth of My Kingdom.”

 

If this idea seems odd to even mistaken to you, consider Paul’s words to the Roman Church:

 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,

to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.”

Romans 12:1 (NLT).

 

Paul demonstrates there’s a relationship between the manner in which we care for our bodies and our spiritual growth. Just as singing, praying, and giving are ways to worship God, so too is our self-care.

 

Given this imperative, reflect upon the ways you can offer your body as a living sacrifice over the next two days. Go for a walk in a local park. Playing Frisbee golf with your children. Croquet with your neighbors (social distancing, of course). Play a round of golf or tennis with friends. As Paul urged in his letter to Christians in Colossae:

 

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23, CEB).

 

Have fun this weekend and take good care of yourself for God’s sake…and yours!