3:234 – Putting On Your Mask First

#faithbites #faithjourney mask

Setting

I know the title may make you think that this has to do with masks and Coronavirus, but it doesn’t. The mask, we are talking about is the mask on the airplane. During all safety briefings, they tell you to put on your mask before helping others put on theirs. Not only does this mean you are safe, you have the ability to help others.

Today a friend of mine called in sick to work. She needed the time to rest and recuperate. (No, this also isn’t about Corona). When she did that, it freed me up from a meeting, and I decided to rest myself. I took a short nap and felt refreshed. Her needing and taking the time to rest and heal showed me it was ok to rest myself. Often times, we don’t realize the example we set for others. If we are sick or need rest and just keep “pushing through” it sets a bad example for others. They also need rest but because you don’t take it, they may think you will look down on them for resting.

Remember, both God and Jesus rested. We need to take our medicine and rest. This helps us and shows others that we aren’t superpeople and need to take care of our health.

Scripture

• Genesis 2:2-3 – On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. ³ And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
• Matthew 8:24 – Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
• Ephesians 5:1 – Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Reflection

God rested. Jesus rested. We all need to take a rest and heal up. In Ephesians, we see that we should be imitators of God. Acting tough, saying “it doesn’t hurt”, or “I don’t need sleep”, may hurt you in the long wrong. But outside of you, it can set a bad example to others that they don’t need the rest or the healing that God provides.

If the creator of the universe needed a day off, so do you. If the Messiah who is saving all of us slept even during a storm, we can sleep as well. Being tough is a diservice to yourself and to each other.

Make sure to set an example that follows God. Enjoy the rest that he provides and help others to do the same.

Challenge

Next time you are going to “tough it out”, think about what that is showing to others. Do they think they have to “tough it out?” Be mindful of how the steps you take reflect on those who follow you.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for being an example of rest. Help us to conform to your examples and not the examples of the world. Killing ourselves to work 80 hours a week won’t help us in the long run. Working through pain may give us short term gains but at what cost.? Help us to be mindful of those who are watching us and what lessons they are learning. We love you and give you all the glory. In your name, Amen