This Is Why You Must Quit Seeking A Balance!

I often hear Christians discussing, even complaining about, how difficult it is to balance their faith, family, work, social lives, etc. I know their intentions are good and they desperately want to do what is “right”, but seeking a balance across these areas is a big mistake. In fact, this kind of goal is in direct conflict with Scripture!

You Can’t Buy Balance

If you look online, you can find an endless number of products, courses, and articles about the keys to creating a balanced life. It has become an entire industry and many people are making good money off of our desire to find this balance. I am also guilty of falling into this trap too often. It truly seems like a worthy goal.

We think we can somehow find the perfect app that will enable us to balance our calendars. We enlist the accountability of those in our small groups to help us stay focused on the right balance of time for each category. While the categories differ for each of us, our end goal is usually the same.

We desire a life that “feels” balanced between our activities. We don’t want to give too much time to our hobbies or our work. We struggle to give God enough time and we know our families need more of us as well. We often find ourselves wishing we had more hours in the day because we can’t seem to make it all fit.

Is Balance A “Forever” Struggle?

For those trying to find this balance, the vast majority (or all) of them never seem to get it just right. It seems like a forever struggle.

The truth is that we are not supposed to be seeking a balance. God has not given us any Scripture that points us in this direction. In fact, it is just the opposite. He is opposed to balance. That’s right. If you don’t believe me, then just read the following verses:

And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.
Matthew 22:35-58

The Opposite Of Balance

Jesus is asked to declare the most important command. He answers with the verses above. Note the three uses of the word “all”. When you read back over these verses, do you get a sense of balance? Do you feel led toward a balanced life or one that is 100% focused on Him?

I have to tell you that balance is the last thing I think about when I read this passage. Instead, I get the sense that every aspect of my life should be focused on God and His purposes. I get the feeling that anything less than 100% focus on Him IS out of balance.

So what is the answer to finding a feeling of balance? Try these verses:

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

Focus Fully On God

The answer to our feeling of imbalance is to do everything for Him. We are to focus on God and His will for us and we are to do this in every area of our lives.

As we approach our work, we are not to seek a “healthy balance” in our approach. Instead, we should ask God what He desires from our work. We should study His Word and strive to apply it in every way as we fulfill our job duties and responsibilities. We should give 100% of our work to Him and seek to do it in a way that points others toward Him.

Imbalance Or Not?

We are to do the same in every area of our lives – our families, our hobbies, our social lives, etc. While it seems like this will only lead to greater imbalance, it is my belief that God will cause the opposite to happen. If we are truly seeking His leading in every area of our lives, don’t you think He will lead us to a balance that honors Him?

Too often, we forget that “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). I am convinced that if we will follow His greatest command that He will give us a life that is patterned according to His balance. That sounds like a life that I want to live!

Have you struggled to find a healthy balance?

What do you need to do next to turn more of your focus to God?

What area of your life do you think will be the toughest to let go of?

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