Biblical Answer

When we prioritize others over ourselves when we're feeling stuck, we may inadvertently create an unhealthy dynamic. On the one hand, we may feel a sense of relief or temporary escape from our problems by focusing on others. However, this can also lead to burnout, resentment, and a sense of martyrdom. As the Bible teaches, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31), but this doesn't mean sacrificing our own well-being for the sake of others. In fact, when we neglect our own spiritual and emotional needs, we can become more of a hindrance to others rather than a help.

When we prioritize others over ourselves, we may also miss out on the opportunity for growth and healing. As the author notes, "If you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on." This is because our natural self is finite and can only handle so much before it becomes overwhelmed. By prioritizing others, we may be depriving ourselves of the time and energy needed to address our own struggles and develop the self-control and discipline necessary for spiritual growth. As the Bible teaches, "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). By neglecting our own spiritual and emotional needs, we can become more prone to anxiety, depression, and other forms of spiritual malaise.

Ultimately, prioritizing others over ourselves when we're feeling stuck requires a balanced approach. As the author notes, "The key is a balance." This means recognizing that our own needs and desires are important, but also acknowledging that our responsibilities to others are equally important. By prioritizing our own spiritual and emotional growth, we can become more effective and compassionate helpers to others. As the Bible teaches, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). By taking care of ourselves and prioritizing our own spiritual growth, we can become more of a blessing to others rather than a hindrance. This requires a willingness to say "no" to things that are not essential and "yes" to those things that align with our values and priorities. By doing so, we can develop the self-control and discipline necessary for spiritual growth and become more effective and compassionate helpers to others.