“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ I Thessalonians 5:23
REFERENCE:
Have you observed the paradox of some Christians? They can pray fervently in tongues yet struggle to maintain harmony in their homes. They may be deeply moved during worship, yet their anger is equally intense. Their lives reflect extremes, a stark contrast to God’s desire for us to live in wholeness and wellness. In his letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of balance, urging us to be balanced believers in spirit, body, and soul.
Living in the extreme of spirituality, where the intersection between faith and secular roles is lost, can be detrimental. Such individuals often unintentionally alienate others from God and may even harm themselves in the process. However, balanced believers are adept at integrating biblical principles into their daily lives. Their spirituality enhances their engagements, demonstrating that one can be fervent in their faith and prioritize family and friends. This is the essence of balance.
While a balanced believer’s focus remains on heaven, they also find significance in earthly matters. They pay attention to their diet, family, emotional well-being, and physical fitness. They engage in social activities like watching movies, dining out with their children, or playing sports. They understand the value of personal time, whether dancing to a praise tape at home or simply resting. This holistic approach to life is beneficial for their overall health and well-being.
Your spirit, man, is the foundation that carries your life. It is okay to invest in it, but alongside, read to nourish your mind and exercise to strengthen and refresh your body. Yes, go for medical check-ups too. A life like this can attract non-believers to Jesus – a life of faith and prayer, yet successful in business, marriage, family, career, and health. This is God’s perfect plan for you.
The balanced believer makes Jesus His model. Jesus prayed for extended periods, visited friends, attended the synagogue regularly, spent time with sinners, and took time to rest and refresh. Jesus fasted but drank and ate, attended social functions, played with children, and taught His disciples. His life was an enviable one. He brought glory to God through holy living, good health, and spending time with the mighty and the outcasts. Commit today to be a balanced believer.
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ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Genesis 2:1-3, 3 John 2, and Ecclesiastes 7:16 -18
REFLECTION
+ Think through your daily routines. Where do you need help caring for your spirit, soul, and body?
+ What are some things you can do (or goals you can set) to achieve a balanced life?
+ Are there practical ways you can adopt these goals daily?
