A Balanced Life
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
To have a balanced life you must live by these two Scriptures: 1) ‘God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him’ (1 Peter 5:7). 2) ‘Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack’ (v. 8). When you fail to do either of these two things, you’ve opened the door for Satan to attack you. Too much of anything, even a good thing, is a problem. For example, work is good. But too much of it causes stress, which can result in sickness, resentment, depression, and the breakdown of your relationships. Food is good. But too much of it can lead to serious health problems. It’s good to be organized. But if you become a perfectionist you can drive yourself and everyone around you crazy. Any area of your life that gets out of balance will rob you of the joy God wants you to have. Maintaining a life of balance is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face. ‘Let your moderation be known unto all men.’ If you’re a highly driven personality, note the word ‘moderation’. It means ‘Don’t go to extremes.’ Pastor, excel in your ministry but don’t neglect your family. Parent, don’t just make a living, enjoy the people you’re making it for. It is fine to care about your appearance, but don’t be obsessed with your looks because they’re not the true measure of your worth as a person. Take a look at your life and ask, ‘In what areas am I out of balance?’ Then ask God to help you get back into balance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to get and keep a healthy balance in my life – as You intended it to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Thank you for this message, Tim. I have been struggling with balance for quite some time. I did get sick last December, very sick. Then I had to have surgery (unrelated) in February. Between those things and our current quarantine, I have rediscovered what is important. I am retiring from teaching at NIU and only doing small classes online for Creighton University in Nebraska. I am giving more time and attention to my family, though from afar right now. My stress is gone, I’m getting more sleep, and I feel more human than I have in a long time. I view this virus as an opportunity for everyone on this earth to find a different way to live, not just me. I view it as a warning from God that we need to change or else none of us will survive. Your message is yet another blessing to me to stay the course. Hope all is well with you.
Enjoying the opportunity to slow down and reexamine the balance in my life!
WOW. Wonderful Words Of Wisdom. Too much of THE BIBLE creates a chemical imbalance in our system and causes too much of self-righteousness, self-centered, self-important, self-exalted, self-sufficiency. Find perfect balance by caring-encouraging-loving-listening-forgiving God, yourself, and others no matter what.