You Are God's Temple: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Honor God With Balance in Your Life: Work

I don’t know a lot of people who have found perfect balance in their work and family lives. Many times I question my own time decisions. I know unemployed and under-employed people, and I struggle and grieve with them over their finances and feelings of low self-worth. I also know people whose jobs have consumed them and who are hurting their families and draining their joy in life.

It is hard to get it right. Here’s a little advice from Paul, a man who gave his all for Jesus Christ, but who didn’t destroy himself or others in the process: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” (Philippians 2:3).

Here are some diagnostic questions if you fear you may be out of balance. Ask yourself: Am I doing this just for money? Do I need this much? Am I addicted to acquiring things or building up my own name and power? Am I hurting people? As I save and invest, am I also trusting God to provide for me? Am I listening to my family’s voices? Is there time in my week for reading the Word, worship, and service to the church?

New York Mayor Ed Koch used to go around the streets asking, “How’m I doing?” Memo to self today: ask key family member how I’m doing in balancing work and life.