980) Some of us have the idea that sacrificing to God is always good, so we stay up late, studying for the Sunday school lesson we will teach. Perhaps we work hard at a church function and do not get a decent meal in. We could also serve others to the point of overlooking what we need mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These spiritual sacrifices may not be what God wants from us at all.

In order to teach that Sunday school lesson, you need to not only know what you will teach, but you also need to be rested and refreshed first. If you spend the entire time working at a church function but overlook your need for nourishment and fellowship, perhaps you are going against what God wants for you. And, if you are constantly serving others, then there is not time to take care of yourself.

In Acts 27, Paul knows that he and 275 men will be shipwrecked, so he urges all to eat a nourishing meal so they will be able to survive. Their physical needs were important for the endurance they would need to stay alive.

Physical, mental, and emotional needs can be just as important as our seeking to meet our spiritual needs.