TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

Dearly Beloved, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" (1 Timothy 5:23 NIV). The above Bible passage has been one of the most misinterpreted and misapplied ones. In fact, it is one of those controversial verses of the Bible. Drunkards and those that are inclined to drinking too much wine and alcoholic drinks are quick to refer to it in support of their action. However, as I was in a Sunday school class one Sunday, I saw a different application to the instruction of Paul to Timothy: Timothy should take care of himself. The means of doing this was taking of some wine. Other places where the Bible refers to wine as something of medicinal substance are: Second Samuel 16:2 where it was said to revive the faint; Proverbs 31:6 where it was said to be suitable as a sedative for people in distress; Luke 10:34 where the Samaritan poured oil and wine on the wounds of the injured traveller; and Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23 where it was mixed with a drug to ease suffering. Well, this devotional write-up is not aimed at supporting or not supporting the use of wine, but to underscore the importance of taking care of oneself. Paul was concerned about the wellbeing of Timothy, and he recommended to him a way of taking care of himself. No doubt, Timothy yielded to this advice to his own good. Medical and other advices have been given to many people today, and many people do not yield to such good advices to their detriment. Are you one of such people that do not yield to medical, professional, ministerial and other specialized advices about your health, business, family or other endeavors? Part of taking care of yourself is yielding to such good advices. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20 NIV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to always take of myself in every ramification.