Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 283 – Put on your own oxygen mask first 

My colleague  Mike Baer recently wrote about putting team before self.  This advice needs more nuance.

“Put self last and team first” is important (Philippians 2:3–4) yet it can also be dangerous if taken out of context. Building team through servant leadership is essential, but if it comes at the cost of the leader’s spiritual, physical, and mental health, everyone loses. 

I am speaking from personal experience.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

What does self-care look like for you as a boss? As a minimum: submission to God, regular communion with Him, devotions, building an accountability structure, surrounding yourself with a circle of love, practicing honest self-assessment, maintaining health and fitness, and seeking mental care when needed. 

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

So please, even as you take care of your team, take care of yourself equally. As Oprah Winfrey has said, you need to put your own oxygen mask on first, before helping others.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You showed us how to serve with compassion and to rest with wisdom. Teach me to lead like You did. Help me care for those I lead without neglecting my soul, mind, and body. Amen.

Amen