As Christians, we constantly feel the need to feed our spirits, and while that is important, we cannot lose sight of the fact that as humans we have to take care of our bodies, our minds, as well as our emotions.  Youth pastors and youth leaders all over the nation constantly hear me say, “Take some decent vitamins!”  It may not sound very spiritual, but it honestly will change your life.  There are five different areas of our lives, which I call the five tanks, that must be kept filled on a regular basis.

1. The Spiritual Tank: In a church, a highly Christian environment, it is easy to talk about the Lord, referencing, praising and lovingly bragging on Him, yet without alone time with Him, our talk creates a false sense of relational maturity.
2. The Physical Tank: Our physical tanks are critical to our overall well-being.  The Bible describes our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit, yet how quickly we turn our temples into pizza eating machines.
3. The Emotional Tank: For youth pastors, the emotional tank of life gets unusually low, and at some point, do not be surprised if you feel blue and withdrawn.  I often tell youth ministers, never resign your ministry on Thursday (if your midweek service is Wednesday).  Wait until your tank fills back up and then go after it again…and again.
4. The Intellectual Tank: The Bible clearly states we are all spirit, mind, and body.  If you continually study the Word from the same angle, you will find yourself growing very bored.  Every two or three years, I change the type of Bible I study with, but in addition, I read other books, listen to tapes and keep myself on track to be a life-long learner.
5. The Relational Tank: Every individual alive needs relationships.  As a minister, you still need people who replenish you as a person, bring joy to your life and strengthen your walk with the Lord.

What tanks in your life are running a little bit low?  Allow yourself to be on the road to refueling!