It is stated on good authority "that many of our Bible workers are working on such a narrow margin that there is a serious succession of breakdowns and withdrawals from the work." In view of this, should not every Bible worker take time to study the cause of this serious condition? There is always some weak spot which, allowed to go unmended, precedes the breakdown. Observation has shown that little things neglected day after day weaken the wall of resistance.
At first glance, the weakness in the Bible worker's life is often the same found in the lives of many other American women in business or professional work; i. e., "hatching it." In addition to a full day of arduous duties, and the late hours involved in giving Bible readings to persons living in different parts of a city, the Bible worker who "batches" comes home to a round of domestic duties, cooking, cleaning, washing, and ironing. Health authorities recognize that this mode of living is more than the human constitution can stand. The public health nurse is strongly urged not to "batch," as her energies and attention are to be given undivided to her work. Is not the same advice equally applicable to the Bible worker?
Another weakness in the life of nearly all Bible workers is the lack of recreation and play. The human body needs relaxation, which is ideally found in outdoor games, swimming, skating, walking, and hill climbing. Outdoor recreation will loosen that taut feeling. Instead of being restless at night, with the mind engaged in the problems and perplexities of the day, sweet sleep will come to weary eyelids.
Overfatigue is a constant companion of many Bible workers. With it comes the expression, "Oh, I am dead tired;" there is a loss of the sense of proportion, and trifles become magnified. With certain temperaments, over-fatigue brings depression, gloom, and worry. The worker imagines that all the world is against her. She becomes oversensitive, restless, and tense. Her skill is impaired, and she is not able to do her best. If the strain continues, she loses her poise, and drifts into a pitiable condition of chronic ill health and life failure.
The remedy for overfatigue is its prevention; the state of abounding health and energy, with few exceptions, can be brought about by reasonable planning. "It is not wise to be always under the strain of work and excitement, even in ministering to men's spiritual needs. . . . Self-denial is required of the servants of Christ, and sacrifices must be made; but God would have all study the laws of health, and use reason when working for Him, that the life which He has given may be preserved."—"Gospel Workers," p. 243.
If you want to preserve your health 100 percent, check your health intelligence by the accompanying test, on the basis of a possible five points to each question, and see if you score 100.
