Achieving Balance in Life and Work: A Biblical Perspective
The quest for work-life balance is a modern holy grail. Millions strive for it, but few achieve it. As a result, many feel drained, depleted, and joyless. But what if 2020 could be different? With God’s help, it can be.
Understanding the Problem
For many, work is a source of stress and exhaustion. It invades every aspect of life, leaving no boundaries between work and home, work and church, or work and hobbies. Life becomes a blur of undifferentiated stress, frustration, and cynicism.
A Biblical View of Work
But what if we viewed work differently? In Ephesians 6:5-8, we find six insights that can transform our understanding of work:
- Work is a place to serve God from the heart.
- Work is an opportunity to excel and do our best.
- Work is for the benefit of others.
- Work is a way to please God.
A Biblical View of Life
To implement a biblical view of work, we need a biblical view of life. According to passages like Mark 8:36, Proverbs 17:22, and Psalm 32:2-4, human life is characterized by:
- Limitations: We are finite and dependent on God.
- Complexity: We have multiple components, including physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects.
- Interconnectedness: We cannot neglect one part of our lives without affecting others.
- Fallenness: Sin has broken us, making it harder to live a balanced life.
Building Boundaries
To achieve balance, we need to build a wall between our work and personal life. This means being fully engaged in both, with clear boundaries between them. In The Power of Full Engagement, Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz write, “To be fully engaged, we must be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aligned with a purpose beyond our immediate self-interest.”
Making Hard Decisions
Building boundaries requires hard decisions. We must be willing to say no to things that drain us and yes to things that renew us. This means being honest with ourselves, God, and others about our priorities and limitations.
Conclusion
Achieving balance in life and work is not impossible. By adopting a biblical view of work and life, building boundaries, and making hard decisions, we can find more joy and fulfillment in both our work and personal lives. So, let’s make 2020 different. Let’s pursue balance and find more life in the process.
Recommended Reading
- Reset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David Murray
Other Resources
- Help\ series: resources for struggling with various issues, including doctrine, Bible reading, temper, and parenting.
Leave a Reply