Balanced

Matthew 22:36-39

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

 

^{Matthew 28:19-20}

¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

If we think about all the commands and “to do’s” of a Christian, we could be stressed just to think about how impossible they are to be evident altogether in our lives.  But Jesus didn’t command these things for us to be stressed out.  His word says, “And his commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3b).  Therefore, Jesus didn’t create these commands for us to be burdened on how to accomplish or obey all of them at the same time.  Yes, we need to obey them all as an expression of our love for God – but we also must remember that these commands help keep a balanced life.  He calls us to live a life that puts equal importance to all that He’s commanded us – the most important, down to the “least.” (if there’s such a thing!) 

 

God calls to live a balanced life – to refute the Gospel and be loving at the same time.  I need to learn to balance my life properly as I continue to obey the commands of the Lord.  Yes, His commands are not burdensome, therefore, I will have fun with it!

 

Lord, thank You that You make your commands not burdensome.  They may seem like a lot of work, which they are, but You don’t intend for them for us to be burdened by it but to enjoy it.  Please help me to keep that balanced mindset and not be burdened – on a practical note, even with the daily activities and chores that are laid out for me.  Help me to keep a balanced schedule the same way You intend for me to do.  Please help me Lord to no overdo anything, but also to be vigilant and focused in completing my tasks.  In Jesus’ name, amen.