Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress

4.1.2 Foundations of a Balanced Lifestyle

Life and service in the Kingdom of God is not a sprint, but a marathon (1 Cor 9:24). It is important for a person to know, feel and proactively deal with his or her own limitations. These limits are different for each person depending on his or her life situation.

  1. What are my limits? 
  2. What is my capacity?
  3. How much sleep do I need/how well do I sleep?
  4. How old am I?
  5. What phase of life am I currently in?
  6. What challenges affect my mind, soul and body?
  7. How is my spouse (and children) doing with my workload?
  8. How often am I sick, and why?
  9. Am I keeping the Sabbath?
  10. Am I passionate, enthusiastic and satisfied? 

 

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Pr 16:32). 

Developing a healthy work-life balance is indispensable for the long run. For this reason, the following foundations for a balanced lifestyle should always be assessed and implemented regularly:

  1. Growing relationship with God through keeping the Sabbath (Deut. 6:4)
  2. Fulfilled married life / single life (Eph 5:21; 1Cor 7:1)
  3. Intentional times for personal development (1 Cor 6:19)
  4. Life-giving interaction with friends and immediate family members (Prov 17:17 and Exodus 20:12)
  5. Fruitful work / ministry (Eph 2:10)

 

Only when we love ourselves can we truly love and treat other people with respect. “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.” (James 2:8).  Leaders, even the most determined, however, should know that God is in no hurry, that he would forgo our process of being conformed to look more like Jesus. He is concerned with our personal development, with a character that is becoming ever more similar to Jesus (2 Thes. 2:13). 

Throughout the journey, we can rely on the support of the Holy Spirit when we invite Him into each part of our lives to work out his will and purposes. 

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit,” (2 Cor 3:18). 

In this process, it is helpful to have feedback from other people. This feedback can come primarily from a spouse or children as well as friends or co-workers. In addition, it is important to have mentors, coaches or pastors that can also speak into your life.

In order to make room in the calendar for personal assessments, you have to learn to be as efficient as possible. One help can be the “Eisenhower Principle,” which categorizes tasks according to urgency and importance.