They Say Balance Is Impossible But ...
What does the Bible say?
Finding Balance: Aligning Faith, Family, and Finances
One of the most frustrating experiences is when others impose their limitations on us, especially when those limitations are out of alignment with our values and goals. As someone who strives to seek Christ in every aspect of life, it's particularly disheartening when people place their constraints on me. Over the past couple of years, I've encountered a recurring message from various self-proclaimed experts: achieving balance in life is nearly impossible. They argue that to reach the next level, certain sacrifices are inevitable, and everyone around us just has to understand. However, this perspective doesn’t align with my biblical understanding, and I believe it’s crucial to address a few misconceptions with scriptural backing.
But first, let me introduce myself. I'm AttiQuewa, a money coach dedicated to helping women find balance by integrating faith, womanhood, and finances through personalized financial systems. My mission is to ensure that these three aspects complement each other rather than compete, which is often a major source of our struggles.
The Role of Family: Our First Ministry
One of the most common themes in conversations about balance is the idea that we must sacrifice family time for career opportunities. It’s often justified with the belief that eventually, our loved ones will understand our pursuit of success. However, I firmly believe that family should be our top priority and ministry.
Scripture tells us that our family is our first ministry. For instance, 1 Timothy 5:8 states that anyone who does not provide for their family is worse than an unbeliever. The pursuit of financial success should not come at the expense of our primary responsibilities to our loved ones. Ephesians 6:1-4 underscores the importance of nurturing family relationships, urging fathers not to exasperate their children but to raise them in the Lord’s instruction. This passage emphasizes that family relationships are an opportunity to practice and impart faith.
Moreover, Titus 2:3-5 highlights the role of women in teaching and modeling righteous behavior. The breakdown in family units today, with an overwhelming focus on financial gain, often leads to neglecting our roles in imparting values and faith to the next generation. We must strive to find a balance where our professional pursuits do not undermine our familial responsibilities.
The story of Moses in Exodus 4:24-26 further illustrates the importance of balancing our divine calling with familial duties. God’s anger towards Moses for neglecting his son’s circumcision symbolizes the need to harmonize our divine purpose with our responsibilities at home. No matter how important our calling, it should never overshadow our primary ministry to our family.
The Danger of Chasing Money
In today’s world, the pursuit of generational wealth often becomes an obsession, leading us away from a balanced life. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, causing many to stray from faith and experience numerous griefs. Money is essential, but when it becomes our idol, it disrupts our spiritual and personal well-being.
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized that for many years, my focus on money overshadowed my spiritual health. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God. Similarly, Matthew 6:34 advises us not to worry about tomorrow, as each day has enough trouble of its own. Our plans should be rooted in diligence and trust in God, as Proverbs 21:5 assures us that diligent planning leads to profit, not poverty.
Taking Care of Ourselves
Lastly, let’s discuss self-care. Stress, often labeled as a silent killer, can have devastating effects on our health. Last December, I experienced a mini-stroke due to extreme stress, which was a wake-up call for me. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our bodies. Neglecting our health in the name of ambition is not honoring God.
Whether it’s excessive stress, poor eating habits, or other detrimental coping mechanisms, we must prioritize our well-being. How can we fulfill our purpose if we are not taking care of ourselves physically and emotionally?
Seeking God in Everything
Ultimately, seeking God in every aspect of our lives is crucial. From balancing family responsibilities to managing finances and taking care of our health, everything should align with His will. The world’s pressure to constantly strive for more can lead us astray, but by seeking God first, as Matthew 6:33 suggests, we will find the balance and fulfillment we need.
Remember, while the world may tell us to do more and sacrifice more, God’s plan is for us to live a balanced life that honors Him and fulfills our responsibilities to our loved ones. As we navigate our goals and ambitions, let us always seek His guidance and align our actions with His will.
