“The 3 R’s: Self Care in Kingdom Living”, by Dr. Julius Sims
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 (NIV2011)
“Reading, Riting, and Rithmetic” (i.e., The 3 R’s) was the gold standard that summarized quality education within those nostalgic times of educational development. This undertaking would become a strategic journey of learning and mental formation taken by impressionable groups of classroom learners from all ages. As I pause to historically reminisce, while embracing the honored task of communicating my thoughts in this article. “The 3R’s” were enunciated very often from the guardians of education, demanded and expected by caring parents, and the completion of this respected academic progress became the hallmark of approval by many of our late ancestors, commerce personnel, and leaders of the religious communities.
Well-known by past generations, the 3 R’s was a phrase originally coined at the beginning of the 19th century. Each of the invaluable learned processes of “Reading, Riting, and Rithmetic were considered to be the essential skills taught in classrooms to enhance one’s potential in society, one’s foundation for further cognitive development, and to enrich one’s ability to navigate through life’s choices, opportunities, demands, and challenges.
It’s such a rewarding blessing to know that the heavenly Father is personally involving Himself (by His Spirit & His Word) to assist us in capturing and experiencing a successful and progressive living as blood-washed Kingdom citizens (Jos. 1:8; Col. 1:13). Though we will probably be stuck with more questions than answers within our biblical journey and spiritual growth, learning how to take care of our well-being within this adventure becomes invaluable. The Holy Spirit helping God’s people achieve levels of spiritual and emotional maturity with meaningful results are additional rewards that should be celebrated.
I would like to report an insightful and alternative essence of The 3 R’s that can become a game-changer for God’s disciples; as The 3 R’s were greatly beneficial in the educational world for learners. The application of the The 3 R’s shared in this article, from a spiritual point of view, will provide some proven prescriptions for the soul that will benefit our spiritual well-being, resiliency, staying-power, mental balance, and sustainability.
The 3 R’s
Relieve yourself or become free from meeting or satisfying everyone’s expectations from you; you cannot live-up to everyone’s demands and their requirements. Our audience (i.e., the people in our world or sphere of influence) should be dealt with according to The Spirit’s wisdom and God’s directives. However, God provides grace and strength to meet His expectation and His requirements (1Cor. 9:19; Pro. 29:25; Gal. 1:10); your value is not determined by meeting the satisfactions of others. Get rid of the toxins of disappointments and setbacks. Allow the Holy Spirit and our praise to apply the kind of “spiritual catheter” for our heart and mind that will drain the stress away that we may avoid burnout. (Ps. 13:6)
Relax yourself. Manage your emotions, attitudes and thinking. (Ps. 27:13; Ps. 37:7; 1Kings 19:1-8). Act in faith, not fear; let God handle the things that’s in His Hands (1Peter 5:7), as you handle what’s in your hands; keep trust alive and your confidence strong no matter the issues at hand. Personal praise, giving of thanks and worship has a way of relaxing the soul and calming the mind, while bringing peace in your spirit.
Refresh yourself. Keep and protect your scheduled appointments with the heavenly Father, because man shall live by bread alone. Prayer time, is refreshment time. (Isa. 40:31; Jer. 31:25; Luke 5:16; Ps. 19:7)
- Prepare a place in your home that is as quiet as possible, where you and His Scriptures can commune.
- Set a specific time for yourself and stick to it every day. Taking naps are great!
Get refreshed physically, mentally, & emotionally.
Julius Sims serves as founder & senior pastor of the Word of Life Christian Church, located in north St. Louis city. His wife Cathy serves in church leadership and specializes in the Ministry of dance & well developed Bible teacher. They are ministry son and daughter of Dr. Mark Hanby.
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