I was asked to write a short article about what I've learned about "life balance" in my five plus years of ministry. Actually, I've learned several things, but where I've arrived in my thinking about it has to do with Hebrews 12. The bottom line is I think life balance is overrated. If it just means keeping your family as a top priority, that's obviously an appropriate way to live. But I think most people's concept of life balance includes some level of stress-free relaxation at home and not taking work so seriously that it becomes overwhelming. What I have come to is actually more like the opening of this chapter.
"Jettison absolutely everything in your life that slows you down from running flat out towards what God has called you to. Jesus lived this example out when He fulfilled His life purpose on the cross. And don't whine when it gets hard. At least you haven't spilled any blood over it, right?" Hebrews 12:1-4 KGV
Hobbies, entertainment, and all other self-indulgences have no place in this kind of calling. And then, for crying out loud, how many times does this chapter repeat the word discipline? That's the obvious next step after purging your life of distraction. Achieve a level of personal discipline, brought about by our Father's loving hand, to maintain the pace your calling requires. It won't be the same for everyone. We're not all in the same race. But whether you're in a sprint or a marathon, you have to be able to keep up.
The next part that grips me is about Esau. I've always thought he was a such a tool to trade in his inheritance for a bowl of beans. But when we let go of the holiness God has offered us and trade it in for self-indulging sin, we are making the same stupid choice.
I think I'll have to make this a two-parter. The second half of this chapter is wild and rich. Go ahead and read it, but meditate on the first part.
What do you need to lay aside? What is holding you back? What is taking up too much of your time? What is requiring a part of you that should be spent in serving God?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hebrews 12
Labels: other letters
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1 comments:
God revealed to me this week end an area I needed to let go that I would have sworn I handled quite well. Thank God for His sweet Holy Spirit who lives in us and convicts us of our sins and shortcomings. I laid aside yet another area that was holding me back--but I am sure He will help me see another as I move forward in my marathon with Him.
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