Find Overall Life Balance with Us (6)

Time, 24 hours a day, the ultimate resource and measure of our lives, Truly and equally given to everyone on earth. Time, a currency to spend between the world and God, personal pursuit, and family. 

Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Let’s look around and ourselves, isn’t it true that when we become too engrossed in our careers and worldly pursuits, we may unintentionally neglect Godly values, distance ourselves from our family? Inadvertently neglecting our responsibilities as parents and partner. 

As a parent, Proverbs 22:6 has always been a guiding principle for me, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” In terms of being parents, there is nothing more important than actively participating in the lives of our children and providing them with proper value system and guidance, constantly, which involves constant cultivation and learning for ourselves, while honing my skills and striving for growth of my career which has been a source of personal fulfillment, on top of that, I enjoy nature immensely, mountains and seas,  all kinds of outdoor fun and traveling. You see, the balance of time becomes sensitive. Of course, easier said than done. We often deviate, then recalibrate, then deviate again, then recalibrate again… 

So, eventually, the contradiction between different values extends to the concept of time. In the pursuit of a good balance of life, I often found myself struggling to allocate sufficient time for work, family, and God. When that happens, the apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:15-16, provides insight into this dilemma, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil.” Time, the most precious resource that we must use wisely. It is essential to discern how to allocate time effectively to both professional and familial responsibilities. Bible, serves us as an instruction manual of life, give us the “How” and more importantly, the “Why”. 

To me, struggle is an inevitable and invaluable part of life’s meaning. Throughout the Bible, we see many stories illustrate how God helps us to overcome struggles. One Bible verse strikes me every time when I read, Psalm 127:2, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He grants sleep to those He loves.” Wow! What a powerful verse! Without acknowledging God’s role in our lives, our endless striving will only achieve futility. But prayers, always bring solace and strength, knowing that God is with me in the many roles I play in. By seeking God’s wisdom and aligning my values with His, praise the Lord, harmony and joy have not been absent from our lives.

In conclusion, God has undoubtedly played a vital role in helping me strike a balance between my spiritual growth, artistic pursuit, family fun and harmony. The contradictions between some of the world’s value system (not all, but some) and God’s value system are evident, especially in today’s world, many sins are no longer sins, not only some sins are tolerated, but embraced and glorified. When we are confused, I can only rely on prayer, seeking guidance from the Scriptures, and trusting in His plan, finding answers through His love. I also hold fast to the wisdom of Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” 

Lastly, I would like to share with you, my dear friends, brothers, and sisters, one more wonderful, encouraging Bible verse: Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

I invite you to join us on this journey of faith and for the enrichment of your life by taking the first step in attending our Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) from September 14 to 17, 2023 at our church located as follows:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.

For regular service hours, please click here.

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org