How are you balancing your life?

1 – Welcome to the world of 24/7

• Globalisation. The world is becoming a smaller place. The speed of travel and technology has caused rapid advances in the last 50 years.
• Consumerism. There is a drive for profit from big businesses. People are working flexible and longer hours.

2 – Biblical reflections

• Principle 1 – Embracing our vocation – We are called to make choices rather than to find balance. See Genesis 1:26; 2:1ff & Hebrews 4:1-8. There are three vocations:-

1. Personal vocation
2. Christian vocation
3. Human vocation. Our call involves what we do in work and at home. Church is one part of our calling. We are called to freedom and responsibility. See Genesis 1:28; 2:15-16, 24. Faith and accountability. See Genesis 3:9-11. In the midst of frustration and futility. Many lifestyles do not add up. How do you understand choices and decision-making? Do you think some of the tensions of busyness can be dealt with by choice? Are there choices you could make now that would bring about better balance in your life?

• Principle 2 – Emphasising Relationships- We are called to relate with God and other people. Time dominates our lives. How many devices tell you the time in your house? Time management is important. Today time equals money but it should be time equals task. Christians are not dependant on time.

1. Commune with God (Genesis 3:8).
2. Commune with others (Genesis 1:27; 2:18).
3. Co-working in creation (Genesis 1:28). We are to love God and to love our neighbour. See Matthew 12:30-31. It is life management, not time management. To what extent do you find identity in what you do? Is it possible to find identity in who you love?

• Principle 3- Entering a Sabbath rest – We are called to be a human being rather than a human doing! The next day after the creation of humans there was rest. The rest day was also one of the commandments. Jesus also talked about rest. See also Hebrews 4. The Sabbath is not a waste of time; it is the redemption of time. To what extent do you lead a Sabbath lifestyle? How much of your busy life comes from a surrounding culture and how much from personal drive?
• Principle 4- Enjoying our life – We are called to experience God’s joy. God did not do any work on the Sabbath. We are to play with our children. Children want to play because they enjoy it. See Ecclesiastes 3. Children can play without the need to be productive. To what extent does your leisure prevent you from resting? Try listing leisure activities that restore you and those that do not. Learn to say “No” and mean it.

Categories: Genesis