Yes, help yourself to better help others. To some, that may seem like a contradiction.
It’s often preached that we should care about others. Do more for others. Think less of ourselves. So how can focusing on ourselves make us better at doing that?
Consider giving money as an example. For every $100 you earn, after tithes, would it be better for others if you gave most of it away or used some to help yourself?
If you invest some of it by acquiring a new skill or starting a business, you may increase your ability to earn and the amount you can give.
The same principle also applies to time and energy.
This example might offend some of you. At one stage of my life, it would have offended me. It’s the time spent doing ministry work.
On the surface, it may seem noble to spend every hour after working a full-time job doing ministry work, but what if some of those hours went into initiatives that allow you to work part-time?
You’ll not only have more time for ministry, but you’ll also have more energy while doing it.
Paul understood this balance. While he had a right to receive offerings for the ministry work he was doing, he spent some of his time working so as not to be a burden (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
So don’t be afraid to use some of your resources to improve yourself.
The Wise Believer understands that by helping themself, they are not taking from others, but are improving their ability to serve them.
