I’m an all or nothing person. It’s easy for me to get so focused on one thing that I lose sight of the other things I’m responsible for. As a result, my life gets out of balance and things can go downhill quickly.
We’re all familiar with the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) But are we careful to live it out on a daily basis? We may not bow down to gods of wood or stone, but anything we put ahead of the one true God becomes an idol in our lives: money, work, things, etc.
God first
The first thing I can do to reclaim balance in my life is to give God His rightful place: first place. I can’t afford to minimize Him, or forget who He is.
…that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:10b-11
The right order
Another thing I can do to regain balance is follow the order God established for the family. God designed the man to be the head of the household with the wife to be his helpmeet.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it Ephesians 5:22-23, 25
An example
When I first started writing, my husband Steve brought a problem to my attention – I was spending the majority of my time pursuing my writing goals. He’s super supportive of my work, but when I began working late into the evenings, and missing quality family time – he mentioned it to me.
My initial reaction was to defend myself, but the Lord allowed me to see things from Steve’s perspective. The truth was that I had let my other responsibilities slip in order to have more time to write. As a result, my family felt neglected adding stress to our relationships. Definitely not what God intended.
Make time count
Finally, I can revisit how I’m spending my time. Taking a look at the big picture helps me avoid the tendency to devote all of my time to one project. When I know in advance that I have an article to write, bills to pay, laundry to do, dinner to make, and a book to read, I can schedule the necessary amount of time for each task.
The Lord places value on being a good steward of what He’s given us, which includes time:
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Does your life lack balance? What step will you take today to regain the balance that’s necessary?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the importance of a balanced life. Help me evaluate what I’m doing and be willing to change the things I need to. I’m so grateful for your grace and patience with me. Thank You for Your Word that shows me how to live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
