Main Thought
A lot of us go through life with “a full plate.” We’ve got lots of responsibilities and things to do. But what happens when you have a full plate and lose your balance? Things get messy! God wants us to live our lives with balance. This starts when we put Jesus first. Then, we need to be intentional about making space for ourselves and for others. These first three things can already take significant energy, which is why it’s important to “stay full.” We need to partake of habits, activities, and resources that fill our tanks and prepare us for life’s challenges. We can’t assume everything will go well; therefore, it’s wise to make room for disruptions. To live with margin. These principles are a great start - but it’s impossible to prepare for everything. This brings us back to following the lead of Jesus Christ.
Main Passages
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
- Matthew 22:34-40
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
- Philippians 4:8-9
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- Ephesians 4:1-3
Discussion Questions
Do you feel like your life is balanced? Why or why not?
Balance begins with intentionally making room for God, for ourselves, and for others. Which of these things is easiest for you? Which is the hardest for you?
Think about the Main Thought and Passages above. What can you do to regain (or gain even more) balance this week?