Self-Care Is Not Selfish, It Is Stewardship

Written by Dr. Susan Chan Lee

The first half of 2025 was incredibly intense for me—sometimes it felt like I was caught in a whirlwind. My schedule was packed back-to-back with responsibilities. I was teaching and preaching at my church, serving in administrative and strategic roles for the Bible seminary where I am a Board Director and Secretary, plus a long-haul trip to Ireland and having to organize the Asian Women Leaders Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After returning home exhausted, I was forced to rest—not by choice but because I contracted an E. coli infection. During my recovery, I reflected: could this have been prevented? Had I cared better for myself rather than rushing about relentlessly, my immune system might have been stronger, and I might have avoided falling ill. This experience led me to a deeper reflection on self-care.

Self-care is often overlooked, particularly among Christian women deeply committed to serving others in leadership. Yet caring for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is essential for effective leadership. The Bible teaches that self-care is not selfishness; it is an act of stewardship—a way of managing well the gifts and life God has entrusted to us.?

Leadership is stewardship—caring responsibly for what God has given us, including our own bodies and minds. To lead well, a leader must be healthy and renewed in body, mind, and spirit. Jesus Himself modelled this balance. Though devoted to serving others, He regularly withdrew to pray and rest (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). His example reminds us that solitude and renewal are necessary for sustaining leadership.

The principle of Sabbath rest further underscores this truth: God commanded a day of rest to refresh and restore, saying, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work” (Exodus 20:8-10, NIV). This command invites leaders to honour rest as a vital rhythm for sustainable, faithful service. Jesus’s example and God’s command remind us that solitude, prayer, and rest are essential for sustaining leadership over time.

Let’s consider why self-care is crucial for effective leadership.

1. Sustains Spiritual Vitality

2. Prevents Burnout and Supports Mental Health

3.  Enhances Emotional Health and Relationships

Knowing the importance of self-care is not enough; we need to take practical steps towards self-care.

1. Prioritize Prayer and Meditation

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

3. Rest Regularly

4. Care for Your Body

5. Seek Support and Community

Embracing God’s design for rest and renewal enables leaders to serve with passion, strength, and endurance.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us to be mindful of the importance of self-care—not as selfishness, but as faithful stewardship of Your gift of life. Grant us the wisdom to set boundaries, the grace to rest, and the strength to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits, so that we lead with clarity, compassion, and endurance for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.