Ever notice that before an airplane takes off, the attendants tell you that if the plane gets into trouble you should secure your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others with theirs? That's not selfish - it's smart! Unless you get enough oxygen, how can you help anybody else? Are your needs being met? Really? If not, it's time to stop taking care of everybody else and start learning to take care of yourself before you burn out. That may mean establishing some boundaries! It may also mean complaints from those who don't want things to change. Expect flak! Listen: 'The whole congregation... complained against Moses...' (Exodus 16:2), but he kept on leading them anyway. Never complain about what you permit. People who regularly violate your boundaries need to be held accountable. The Bible does that. Listen: 'A short-tempered man must bear his own penalty; you can't do much to help him...' (Proverbs 19:19). Or, 'He who does not work shall not eat' (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Stop trying to rescue people from their consequences. Pain's a better teacher than comfort. Sometimes we have to feel the heat before we see the light. The Psalmist said, 'Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word' (Psalm 119:67). Just as an empty kettle cracks when the heat's turned up, you'll crack too if you allow yourself to be drained emotionally and spiritually. It's not selfish to take care of yourself before taking care of others - it's smart!