OXYGEN MASKS


If you’ve ever flown, then you’ve heard the flight attendant’s speech telling you that in case of a loss of cabin pressure, masks will drop from the ceiling and you should secure your own before attempting to assist others. 

That’s a pretty good analogy for what I want to talk about today.

The Christian life calls us to love God, and to love and serve others.  But after days, weeks, months, and even years of pouring yourself into the lives of other people, it may be time to put your mask on.

I have a friend who is on staff at my church.  She is a pastoral counselor who also leads a support group.  In addition, she has helped with the church’s annual Kid’s Camp, trained and participated in marathons to end human trafficking, lead a Bible study, and volunteered at various church-related events.  Recently she said it might be too much.

The trick to being the most effective in our Christian lives, is to understand that when you are feeling this way, it’s time to put on your spiritual oxygen mask.

Here are a few tips to help:

  • REST – At the Beginning of the Bible, God creates the world and everything in it.  Then, on the 7th day, He rests.  His example is one He encourages us to follow.  In Exodus 20:8-10 it says,

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…”

  • SHARE THE BURDEN – In Exodus 18 Moses is getting tired.  He has led the people of Israel out of Egypt and been the “point guy,” interceding with God for all of their woes.  He complains to his father-in-law, Jethro, who tells him to delegate.  Later, God confirms this is the right course of action when he says to Moses,

“Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you.   I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” – Numbers 11:16-18

  • EAT RIGHT/EXERCISE/TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY – It’s often easy to neglect ourselves when we’re focusing all of our efforts on others.  However, the Bible admonishes us to be good to ourselves by being good to our body.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says,

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

  • HOPE IN THE LORD – That’s a weird and antiquated saying but it means to put your trust in His ability to provide help when you need it. The verse in Isaiah 40:31 speaks to this.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

As Christians we need to be reminded that when we’re tired, run-down, and feeling spent, it’s okay to take some time to ensure our own oxygen mask is securely fastened!  That's when we can help others, best.


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