Equilibrium

We ask God to help us live a balanced life, but is that what he wants for us? When we speak of balance we have in mind such things as church-work-chores-family-errands-friends-fun. But such a list betrays a twofold problem - they all look like tasks and they all seem to be of equal importance.

Here's my take on the Bible's better vision:

The first thing this better picture does is draw the eye away from your own life (balanced or otherwise) and upward to God. [Well, maybe not this specific 'better picture' ;)] The key is to live for God, whatever the details of your life. It also speaks of identity before task. As a Christian, you (and your husband or wife) are part of the church. That's who you are as you go about life in the world.

First of all, this means that the question to ask is not 'Is my life balanced?', but rather 'Is my life glorifying to God?'. Secondly, a married person will always think of themselves as a married person, and, because of this identity, they will care for their husband and wife, spend time with them and help them out with stuff. In the same way, as a Christian you should always think of yourself as part of the church, and, because of this, you should care for your brothers and sisters, spend time with them and help them out. And for those who are married, you will find your marriage strengthened as together you do this work of service.