Attention Passengers
Reading Time: 5 minutes
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5
While traveling on a plane to an event, I heard the age-old announcement, “In the case of an emergency, you must put your mask on first before helping others.” Planes are designed in a way that, if an emergency situation transpires and air pressure in the cabin gets low, oxygen masks fall from compartments in the ceiling so that the passengers have consistent airflow. Without oxygen, a condition called hypoxia sets in, and after about 3 minutes those lacking oxygen start losing basic reasoning ability. Not many seconds later, death is almost certain. On each flight, this statement is used to remind occupants of the plane that regardless of the urgency and importance of ensuring the safety of the loved ones around them, if they don't have air, they will not have enough time to help others before they themselves pass out.
It may seem selfish, but it is really in the interest of others to make sure you are accounted for first. You can't stop others from blacking out from air loss if you’ve already blacked out. And some of us are so “others-centered” that we allow ourselves to die, killing off the chance for others to be rescued. In the same way, it is very difficult—I might dare to say impossible—for Christians to love, serve, and pour without being loved, served, and filled.
I think we can all agree that the goal of a Christian is to love God and love people. That is the summary of the entire law and prophets (Matthew 22:37-40). We are called to treat others how we want to be treated (Matthew 6:12). We all recognize the importance of the fruit, but do not always treat our connection to the source with the same importance. We are called to love others, but we must remember it starts with a connection. Our connection to God results in a changed perspective of others.
It’s very hard to help others to the fullest of your ability when you don't know you have everything you need. It’s very hard to accommodate others when you don't feel like you have been accommodated. It’s very hard to create space for others when you don't feel like you have space. Loving yourself does not have to be selfish, it can just be a recognition of the inherent value that allows you to love others more efficiently and effectively.
A few years ago, I worked at an award-winning Jamaican restaurant in Nashville called Jamaicaway. It was easy to sell the amazing food! We were on the food network multiple times and multiple celebrities would sneak in to try the food. I was an amazing salesman, I'd make friends with customers and get great reviews. There was only one problem. As a vegetarian, I hadn't experienced the food myself. It's very difficult for someone to introduce someone else to something or someone you’ve never known or experienced. For many of us, we want to share God’s love. We'd all agree to that. But we often try to be better people without being first committed to seeking the Source.
I once heard a pastor speaking to other overworked pastors say “Don’t kill yourself for the church Jesus already died for.” I'm a workaholic at times. (A classic enneagram 3.) I hide in my work. Yet, I'm often reminded that I need to prioritize my connection over my fruit, even when my fruit is good. God has told me to not take speaking engagements or take a break from writing devotionals and just seek Him. While stopping is scary, those have been some of the best moments of my life.
I don't want you to consider it selfish when you have to get time away to recharge. Don’t feel like you're doing a disservice to others by stepping away to allow Jesus to refill you. Don’t feel bad for making your mask a priority. Remember, the reason we were told to put our mask on first is that, without a steady stream of air, we cannot help others achieve a steady stream for themselves.
Take the moment to pause and recognize your connection. Take a moment to rest in God even if it's for 30 seconds. Breathe. Relax. Give your cares to Him. That may mean turning off your phone to get some quiet time with God. That may mean actually taking a Sabbath rest and allowing yourself time for self-care. That may mean turning off your emails one time a week so that you can rest.
You can only pour if you’ve been filled. You cannot bear the fruit that benefits others without first being connected to the Vine that is the source of your fruit: Jesus.
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