Richard’s Remarks: “The Challenge of Balance”
We live in a mobile, fast-paced, busy society. It is true that we have many conveniences and enjoy many technological advances but it seems that these “advances” have allowed us to become busier and busier. We can now travel greater distances in shorter amounts of time thanks to interstates/highways, increased speed limits and convenient cars. We stay “plugged into” the world by way of the internet and satellite television. We have information available to us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are constantly available to others by means of e-mail, instant messaging and cell phones. We are involved in a number of activities and find ourselves trying to keep up. With all of these things comes the challenge of balance. How does a person balance church, work, school, family, sports and other extra-curricular activities along with a variety of things we might also be involved in? Balance is a challenge.
We all face our own challenges in terms of balancing our responsibilities and activities. To me, it is one of the things I struggle with the most as a preacher. I want to spend ample time studying the scriptures. After all, my primary responsibility is to teach the word. To be a better teacher, I need to be a continual student. I know it is important for me to spend time developing my lessons. Therefore, I need to spend a considerable amount of time in the office. However, I don’t want to be a recluse. I realize that I also need to get “out and about” visiting with those of the congregation and community. I get the opportunity to present God’s word in a public fashion each and every week. However, I also want to be involved in private evangelism as well - studying with individuals. Yet, I must also spend a sufficient amount of time with my family. I cannot forget nor should I neglect my role as a husband and a father. So, balance is an ongoing challenge. It seems to me that it is a challenge without any obvious, specific or simple solutions. So, all I can do is try my best and hope that others are understanding and patient.
What about you? Do you also struggle with balance? I’m afraid that we sometimes get “caught up” in our busy schedules and various activities and simply don’t take the time to give the concept of balance much thought. Of course, along with the topic of balance comes the topic of priorities. It has been my observation that often times, when we get somewhat unbalanced, those things that are most important are the things that we neglect most. So, consider your schedules, responsibilities and priorities. Are you trying to maintain proper balance? Are you truly putting the most important things first? Or are they getting shuffled to the end of the list?
In all of this, remember the words of Jesus, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God...” (Matt 6:33). Please, place priority upon your soul and the souls of those around you.