Dosage Matters

He must become greater; I must become less (John 3:30, NIV).

My brother got ear infections a lot when we were kids. It kind of became a rinse and repeat situation. Go to the doctor, confirm the diagnosis that my Mom usually already knew, pick up the medication, and take the antibiotics as prescribed.

I’m not a pharmacist, but almost everyone knows the rule when it comes to antibiotics–you must take all that is prescribed, even if you begin to feel better before you are finished. When we don’t, it can actually end up rendering the medication useless as the full dosage is required in order to completely kill the bacteria that’s causing the problem in the first place. I can still hear my Mom to this day. Be sure to take all of the medicine. And she was right, because dosage matters. 

As I’ve grown in my faith walk, I’ve started to develop a deeper understanding of just how much this statement rings true, with everything in life. 

When we’re sick, we need medication.

When we’re tired, we need rest.

When we’re hurting, we need encouragement.

When we’re trying to heal, we need to set boundaries.

When we’re struggling, we need support.

Part of the learning process, however, is beginning to recognize how much of what, and when, we need certain things to help us along our journey. Part of that maturation process comes from knowing ourselves in a way that we can properly communicate what we need, how, and when.

John 3:30 says: “He must become greater; I must become less.” I used to think this process would grow simply by knowing myself better, but in reality, it grows out of a place of knowing God more. As I’ve come to know, on a heart level, the character of God, I have gradually become more informed about what I need as a daughter of the King. 

If I’m sick, it’s okay to take whatever “medication” will help me heal.

If I’m sick, it’s okay to say “no” because I need rest. 

If I’m hurting, it’s okay to surround myself with those who will encourage me in Christ.

If I’m trying to heal, it’s okay to express and set appropriate boundaries.

If I’m struggling, it’s okay to reach out and ask for support.

A personal relationship with Jesus has allowed me to learn more about what prescriptions I need in order to preserve the love, joy, and peace that has defined my life since I’ve walked with Him. That’s not to say there haven’t been pain, struggles, and suffering; but instead, now that I know just how much dosage matters, I can be intentional to lean into what, how much, and when I need medication, rest, encouragement, boundaries, and support. 

What do you need in your life to help you continue to walk in a healing relationship with Jesus? Consider your dosage today, and be intentional to stick with it no matter what.