Living a balanced life is extremely challenging in a world as lopsided as ours, Christian or otherwise. In this article, we will be looking at seven steps to living a balanced Christian life.
We are all faced with the challenge of trying to bring balance to our lives. It’s a challenge for most people.
One may think Christians should have this all figured out because of the Bible’s teachings.
However, sometimes we fail to apply the Word of God and suffer the consequences. There is a lot of literature on living a balanced life, but the question is, are we using it?
Balance can become a reality if we want it bad enough; if we do, we need to work at it every day. We must passionately apply our gathered knowledge to get the desired result.
In Matthew 19:26, Jesus said: “with God all things are possible“. Therefore we need to apply it in faith.
A balanced Christian life is a goal most, if not all, Christians are trying to accomplish. Just as living a balanced life is a goal everyone else pursues.
Priority List for a Balanced Christian Life
Living a balanced Christian life is a matter of understanding the vital aspects of life and where they fall in the Lord’s plan. Here are the five areas:
1. God Himself
Our relationship with the Creator remains at the top of this priority list, regardless of circumstances. It is safe to say the closer we get to Him, the closer we are to accomplishing the balance we seek.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8-10
God is all Power, so being in His presence will allow us to draw from Him. He loves us completely; He desires to be intimate with us.
In Him, we find actual relevance, hope, peace, and comfort.
He is our only chance at survival and the ability to excel in all other facets of life. Making time for Him is the first and most important on this list. Here is a link to a bible study on balanced life.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
2. Family
Our loved ones take the next position. God doesn’t hide His passion for the family. He introduced the family unit (the first family, Adam and Eve) early in Scripture and stressed its significance in His Divine Plan. Genesis 1:28
The atmosphere in our homes is vital for our well-being and family members. What we do and say can impact the quality of life in our homes. Our home is supposed to be a sanctuary for ourselves and our family members.
Balancing life as a Christian woman can be very challenging; here is what Diane Paddison says in her article entitled “The Key to Finding Balance“.
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
3. Ministry
The role we’ve been called and equipped to play in His Kingdom’s advancement comes next.
So, whether God has set your service to be in the Church, business, entertainment, governance, and so on, we are a minister of Christ’s Gospel, and we need to take action.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
4. Career
Next is what you do for a living. It is where our impact on our community lies. We need to work for others as if we are working for God, and we are.
Whatever we do must say something about who we are and Who we belong to.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
5. Social Life
Although this point is part of the earlier three, it has a place on its own. It reflects our relationships with the people around us. God expects us to sow seeds of His Light and Grace in others with acts of love, regardless of who they are.
The benefits of living a balanced Christian life are abundant. It is a key that ensures we have the fullness of God’s promises for us.
It will reduce stress, boost our energy, solidify peace, joy and ensure all-around wellness.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1
Here are 7 steps to living a balanced Christian life:
1. Stay in His Presence
This spiritual posture maintains a new and eternal fellowship with the Father daily. It means that at the start of each day, we place our hand in His and let Him lead.
It means that we sustain a constant conversation with Him in our minds, even in the thick of activities, aside from private moments.
God can help us live a balanced life. All we need to do is ask for His mercy and grace.
2. Be Intentional
Balance requires determination and strategy. Set SMART goals to accommodate the five crucial aspects of life in the correct order and intensity. Something will always come up, but we must stick to the plan.
3. Never Ignore Family
Our family is a gift from God; with them, we can have security, support, strength, and unconditional love. We need to treasure and honor them.
Don’t let a day go by without spending quality time with them.
4. Build yourself
We cannot afford to remain stagnant in a fast-evolving world. We can learn new skills and sharpen old ones. As we draw closer to God, our ability to overcome will grow.
As this happens, our relevance will increase and attract people to the God we serve.
5. Relate with Wisdom
Christians are not islands! Take a cue from Jesus’ social life while He was on earth. He interacted with people but didn’t embrace their sins.
He worked in tandem with the Spirit, treated people with respect, relentlessly offered His help, and always knew when to withdraw himself.
6. Remember the Goal
Our ‘why’ for every action must be to glorify God and move His Kingdom forward. Self-interest and ulterior motives can strip away the balance we are trying to accomplish. It’s about God, not us.
7. Work Smart
Amid commitments and activities, we need to pay attention to our health! Failure to do this will hinder our success with all God has for us.
Maintaining a proper diet, rest, sleep, and exercise will help us live a healthy Christian lifestyle.
We need to unwind with recreational activities that both rejuvenate our minds and enlighten our spirit.
Conclusion
We are all on a journey, and sometimes we must adjust our sails to reach our destination.
We can all live a balanced Christian life once we put these steps into practice today!
