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Caring


       Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

          This morning I saw a meme that dealt with the idea that it’s OK to take care of yourself even if it inconveniences or displeases someone else. In other words, it’s OK to not be codependent. It’s hard to disagree with that. If you’ve ever flown on a plane, one of the instructions you’re given is that if the oxygen masks deploy, you’re to put one on yourself before trying to help your children. Those training as first responders are taught that they don’t endanger themselves.  If you don’t take care of yourself, how are you going to take care of anyone else? It all makes perfect sense.
           But I think we need to be careful with this sort of advice, because if we’re not careful, doing this may lead us to the wrong destination, because it’s not the direction Jesus went, and we’re to imitate Him. Jesus didn’t worry about taking care of Himself. He trusted the Father to take care of Him.
           Granted, I think Jesus had a far better idea of what His purpose was than we tend to. Fasting for forty days was a means of achieving His goals. There are some folks who say that it is by denying oneself that one gains strength. By caring for others, on other words, one cares for oneself. 
           Part of the key here is having one’s priorities straight. I recall hearing or reading a story about Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Raleigh (maybe.) She told him to go somewhere to do something for her. He complained that he had business to take care of in England, and she told him “You take care of the business I give you, and I shall take care of your business for you.” I can’t swear the story is true, but it echoes the “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
          Jesus was able to focus on the needs of others, and on the task set before Him because He believed that God would take care of Him. How often to we get caught up on urgent, in-our-face matters that distract us from what is truly important.
           Lord, grant me the courage and the faith to trust You to take care of me, so that I can take care of those people, and those things, that You have give into my care.

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