The Balancing Act of Faith
Christians are citizens of two worlds: God’s kingdom and the world we live in. Sometimes it is a struggle to balance out these two. We don’t want to be worldly yet we are meant to live to the fullest. How should we balance life and faith?
It’s important to note that the secular world does not necessarily mean an atheistic world. The secular world is a world that has no special religious connotation. C.S. Lewis has stated “Christianity was never intended to replace human arts or sciences: it is rather a director which will set them all to the right jobs.” That guides us to see faith as a director which will set our lives on the right course. When we keep God as #1 in our lives we are on the right path.
“If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn’t take it seriously, I don’t reject him. I didn’t come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I’m saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I’m not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That’s all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you.” (John 12: 47-50, MSG)
The danger to our faithful living is not (only) caused by atheists or the secular world. The battle is held within Christians. Do we believe that God is distant and powerless? Or do we believe in a loving, powerful, and personal God who is actively present in our lives? Do we reject God? Or do we embrace what He is doing in our lives?
Don’t fool yourself. Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It’s written in Scripture,
He exposes the chicanery of the chic.
The Master sees through the smoke screens
of the know-it-alls.
(1 Cor. 3: 18-20, MSG)
In order to be able to balance life and faith we need to put our beliefs in action. If we actively practice our faith the secular world is not a threat to us. It’s the world God created for us. It’s the world where we are called to engage and serve. At its best faith guides us to make wise, godly decisions. At its best faith keeps us focused on God and gives us kingdom perspective for living.
Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. (1 John 2: 15-17, MSG)
When we live in union with Christ, the world is not a threat to us. But if God is not #1 in our lives the values of the world start creeping on us. Slowly but surely self-centered behavior isolates us from God.
Let’s not fool ourselves. We are fully dependent on Christ! But if we take Jesus seriously, a new power is at work in our lives. When we daily surrender to God, we lead balanced lives by God’s grace. When we are God’s fools, grace empowers us to make a difference in the world. And suddenly our lives are full of meaning, joy, and peace. Not by our own doing. But by God’s grace.
Gracious God,
We want balanced lives
but we are looking into wrong places.
Forgive us!
Only YOU have the words of eternal life!
We surrender to you!
Come and be #1 in our lives!
Change what needs to be changed.
Show us how to live balanced lives.
Empower us to serve YOU by serving others.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Do you find it difficult to lead a faith-filled lifestyle in today’s world? How do you balance life and faith?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you boldly live your faith out day by day!
Image courtesy of Jeff Brown. Linking up today with What’s on Your Heart Tuesdays & One Word at a Time: Secular Blog Carnival.
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18 thoughts on “The Balancing Act of Faith”
I find life can get especially out of balance this time of year, in spite of the fact that we should be more focused than ever on Christ. What works for me is to get back to basics-my bible. Step away from the activity and be still. I appreciated your thoughts today-thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Joyce, for sharing! Yes, getting out of balance is very easy, especially at this time of year! I need my daily time with God to be empowered for joyful living! It does make a huge difference! Blessings to you as you seek balance and peace in the midst of this holiday season!
Yes, I find it very difficult. I have to have my time alone with God to stay connected. Even then things that happen around me, the news, politics, wanting stuff etc., all get in the way. Unfortunately to keep praying and believing are the only options I see. Great post, thanks.
Thank you, Steve, for your comment! Yes, life can get really crazy and demanding! The Bible verse “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV) is true also in our daily walk. We indeed need to first take care of our spiritual needs and everything else will follow. Blessings to you as you seek balance in your daily life!
I agree with you–the battle is within. Will I believe–fully believe–or not? I want to believe; help my unbelief, Lord.
That’s the question & that’s the prayer! Hear our prayer, Lord! Blessings to you, Lisa, as you keep on keeping on!
Mari-Anna, sometimes it is very difficult. My main difficulty was at work. I used to work at a major IT company solving customer’s problems with the company’s products, and sometimes I got so caught up in the daily routine and problem solving and other stuff that I completely forgot to talk to God or about Him or whatever.
I prayed about it, and eventually I got more and more unsatisfied with myself. I think that was one of the issues that eventually drove me to quit my job (other than being sure it was God’s will, of course).
I don’t think that quitting a job is a solution for a situation like that, but I believe that God chose to guide me toward that path for a reason, and for a plan that is yet to be unfolded.
Thank you, Cris, for sharing. It’s wonderful that you had courage to quit the job that was not right for you. When we let go of the old God can send something new into our life! Abundant blessings to you as you wait and listen to God!
Thank you so much, Mari-Anna!
Balance is important. I try to avoid extremes in my life.
The danger to our faithful living is not (only) caused by atheists or the secular world. The battle is held within Christians. – yes, and most of the time the toughest question from an atheist might be easier to withstand than a quiet nagging voice from inside. *sigh*
Thank you, Zenichka, for your comment! Yes, balance is essential for peaceful living. But we are not alone in this. God is able and willing to help! Blessings to you as you seek balance in your life!
We do live in a broken world, and the balance of daily living must be tempered by our Faith in the Lord. Everything we do as Christians will be to the Glory of God, even when it is secular in nature, as our work, our play, our classes, our love for one another.
Thank you, Hazel, for your thoughts. I agree, all we do needs to be done as to the Lord. It gives us the right perspective right then and there. God bless you as you continue serving the Lord!
I truly try to focus on what is a good faithful option, avoiding any anti-faith, secularization that can kick my tail. In our day and age, it’s more difficult for me to read books, watch TV, watch movies, etc., b/c even though the majority of what I’m involved with might be nice or pleasant, there will usually be a sudden “slap” that will occur with language, visual sin, or slandering. As I age, and our culture does, I need to be on watch nearly all the time. Relaxation and casualness just ain’t so easy any more. And I’m very grateful that “God is BIGGER”.
Thank you for your comment, Joanne! I hear you! It is all the time more difficult to avoid anti-faith things! Many things have changed just in 10 years. We do need to watch how we fill our hearts and minds. But, yes, God is bigger than our culture. And when we cling to Him we will find our way even in this increasingly secular culture. Blessings to you as you continue on your faith journey!
I am almost 50 and it seems life is throwing me more punches than ever. Yet, I feel it is easier to live by faith. I think it is a matter of age?? Or maybe a matter of continuing to come back to the source for strength.
Thank you, Shanda, for sharing your insightful reflection. The more we experience the grace of God, the easier it is to trust without reservation. I think it is a matter of wisdom….aging doesn’t alone help. Abundant blessings to you, sis, on your faith journey!