“God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLT)
We all have unique personalities and ways of “doing life.” Some of us are patient and relaxed, while others are impatient and much more active. I fit rather perfectly into the second category — not so patient and almost never relaxed.
While sometimes the way we do life is a choice, other times it’s a personality trait or lifestyle we’ve become accustomed to. A few years back, I was introduced to a Coaching program where I found myself challenged in four primary areas of my life:
1) Relationships, 2) Achievements, 3) Self-care,and 4) Rest.
Analyze the following four areas in your life to evaluate your ability to find balance:
Relationships —
- Relationships with God and others are key in fulfilling our God-given need for connection. We need to set aside quality time for God, our families, loved-ones, friends, and others. How much quality time do you spend each day with God and others?
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:8-10 (NASB)
- Achievements—
Achievements are key to fulfilling our God-given need to contribute and have a purpose in our lives. We need to set aside time each day to work and contribute to our faith community. How much time do you spend each day working and or volunteering?
But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.
Galatians 6:4-5 (NASB)
- Self-care—
Self-care is key to ensuring we are able to give 100% toward other aspects of our everyday lives. We need to set aside quality time consistently to exercise, eat well, attend to our health and emotional issues, and grow in our spiritual walk with the Lord. How much time do you spend each day taking care of yourself?
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health,
just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 (NASB)
- Rest—
Rest is key to ensuring we have enough physical and mental energy to complete our work, tasks, and daily activities. We must set aside quality time to relax if we want to be productive in other areas of our lives. How much rest do you get each day? Do you take additional time to rest and relax on Sundays?
You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest;
even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest.
Exodus 34:21 (NASB)
I work really hard to balance these four areas in my life and I still find it quite challenging. For me, it’s a work in progress, something I have to intentionally strive to improve.
Are you balanced in your Relationships, Achievements, Self-care, and Rest? If not, what courageous changes do you sense God encouraging you to make?
