DAILY DEVOTIONAL – JULY 31, 2023 Taking Care of Our Calling By Gary Wilkerson

Good health of the body, mind and spirit is a coordinated effort between all three that requires thoughtful attention. You know this if you’ve ever tried to take an exam on two hours’ sleep, finish a long project without eating or embark on a long hike without packing some water. Even relationships need the support of positive eating, sleep and exercise habits. Coming from a ministry family, I have known many pastors and church leaders – men and women - who dove into their callings with such zeal that everything else took a back seat. I’ve fallen prey myself at times to the notion that I am indispensable. We take the call of God on our lives seriously and are often tempted to feel that only we can meet the needs at hand. In addition, there is the pressure of the past. The church was built on sacrifice, and early believers set the commitment bar high. Through the centuries, Christians have endeavored to be equally devoted. We remember those who gave their all and honor others who, even today, suffer for the faith. How can we do less in our own lives? Success in the kingdom of God, however, rests on the health of the workers. If you show up burned out day after day, year upon year, your health, family and ministry will suffer. According to Barna, an alarming 41% of pastors have considered quitting ministry in the last twelve months. If you are one of them, you are overdue for a health reset. It is important to remember that although our bodies are finely tuned, they are finite; every cell needs good food, water, exercise and rejuvenating sleep.  Our minds and spirits also depend on rest, nourishment and preventive care to be strong and effective. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, ESV).  Paul’s emphasis on holistic living teaches us that balance in all areas is the way to successfully represent and glorify God. To properly feed and care for your calling, make it a point to extend God’s redeeming grace into every activity of your life. Healthy habits and caring for your body and mind will reap lifelong benefits for you, your loved ones and those you serve.