A Healthy Balance, part 1
I thought I would end this year and begin the new year on an essential topic for family ministry – balance. While this topic will be especially important for families with children, it is nonetheless applicable for all of us.
I am a husband, father, son, friend, brother, minister, Christian, dog owner, student of God’s word, exercise enthusiast, and zealous reader. Of course, I could add more to the list, but these will be sufficient for this article. As you read this, I encourage you to consider the many different “hats” you wear. What would your list look like? You will need to know it so that you can make an accurate application from this lesson.
So, how do I make all of this work? Obviously, some things on this list work together, like husband and father, and others are related. But others may directly conflict with one another. For example, I cannot devote time to exercise and reading at the same time. For those quick-witted readers who say that I could ride an exercise bike while reading a book, that is not the type of exercise I regularly do. The reality is that making these things work together can be difficult. And, if they are not balanced in a healthy way, my life and those in it may suffer the consequence.
Our text to illustrate this danger is Matthew 23.23-24. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” The issue here is primarily one of being out of balance according to God’s expectations.
All things listed in the passage were important, as illustrated by Jesus. However, some clearly took precedence over others. Our lives will follow this pattern as well. Many things are important, good, and enjoyable. But, when we consider God and His purpose for Christianity, they simply may be out of balance.
Does your family have a healthy balance? By healthy, I mean the idea that it is in harmony with God’s desire. This does not mean that I cannot exercise, but it does mean that my wife and children must be more important. For this week, I encourage you to reflect on whether or not your family has a healthy balance over the holiday season. Family time and presents are good and fun, but Christianity does not take breaks for the holidays. Our service to God does not end in mid-November and resume sometime in the New Year. Teaching our children about God, through His word, must be incorporated into all seasons.
My next few articles will examine a variety of specific examples regarding our life balance.