The ‘spokes of the wheel’ that he refers to are these
factors of life: financial, family, mental, work, social, physical and spiritual.
Jagers mentioned that some Christians become polarized in these areas, such as
physical care of their bodies (which is right and good) to the opposite of not
taking care of themselves because God has promised us new bodies.
Another example is the notion of self-denial. This is
a biblical discipline, yet I can become focused on it to the point that it
becomes self-centered, the very opposite of what God intends. A verse from Philippians
speaks to this balance: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). I need to deny my
fleshy desires, but also need to take care of myself without neglecting care
for the needs of others.
Jesus is our example for balance. Consider these
descriptions of His activities during a day of ministry.
When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23)
Today’s devotion asks if I am like Him in combining
the two elements of my Christian life. Are my public duties, even the cares, business
and duties I have as a wife and mother tempered and kept sacred by my “secret” time
with God as I pray? If people in the world followed me through the busyness of
life, would they trace my steps to a family altar and intimate, personal devotions?
Serving the Lord must be balanced by waiting on the
Lord. I have learned that ministry, even in the power and grace of the Holy
Spirit, is exhausting. If I try to keeping going without taking time to be
renewed and recharged, I will burn out. The perfection of Christian character
is a balancing act — balancing God’s work in me with my work for Him.
Father, Jesus is always the best example in how to
live well and to please You with whatever I am doing. Because He said He is
preparing a place for me does not give me an excuse to avoid taking care of the
place I have here. Because He will give me a new body does not give me an
excuse to eat all the cake I want. Because You love me with an everlasting love
does not give me an excuse to live like a pagan. Thank You for this reminder,
and thank You for Jesus.
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