Balance

We have to find a balance in our lives regarding how we choose to spend our time.  For most of us, a large portion of our day is dedicated to our place of employment.  Another large block of time is dedicated to our family.  Some time is devoted to our friends.  Many devote some time to physical fitness.  Finally, we all set aside time to eat.  These are only some of the basic ways we divide up our time.  Obviously, we are all different and we each have a different set of priorities and complications in our life.  How and why we divide up our time the way we do depends largely on the forces working against us, as well as our desire to do what is right.  Certainly, for those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, following God’s will in our life should be preeminent.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”  Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

If we follow the advice found in Proverbs, we are to dedicate whatever we do to God and seek His clear direction.  Unfortunately, the devil is working against us by camouflaging God’s guidance, trying to get us pointed in the opposite direction.  As a result, there are many times during our day where we have to select the proper way to travel.  If we are not well-versed in the ways of God, it will be easy for the enemy to cloud our vision.  We need to be thoroughly familiar with the Word of God to gain the wisdom needed to outwit the devil.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)

The Bible teaches we are to love God with all of our heart and serve Him by loving our neighbor as ourselves.  We have a limited time in this life and it should be our mission to make the best use of that time.  Most of us spend a good deal of time in service to our family and friends, but is that enough?  How much time does God expect us to devote to serving beyond our family and friends?  I believe God wants us to take advantage of every opportunity available to us to serve others.  The question then becomes, are we doing enough to seek out those opportunities? It truly all comes down to a balance of time.  Does God want us to keep more time for ourselves or give more time away?  How do we find that balance?

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  James 4:14 (NIV)

The clock is ticking.  Every day that passes is irretrievable time.  Each day of our life is one step closer to the end.  God has a specific plan for you and another specific plan for me.  We all have to find our own balance point.  Following God’s clear direction is usually a simple matter of giving rather than receiving.  Look for the path that will benefit others and you will likely be pointed in the right direction.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

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