In this article, I will introduce concepts and principles that are crucial to achieving a successful work-life balance. Research has shown that there are many benefits to both businesses and families when establishing a work-life balance.
Advantages of reconciling personal and work life: employees
A good work-life balance can allow employees to feel more in control of their work lives and lead to:
• increased productivity
• less absenteeism
• a happy and less stressed workforce
• improvements in the health and well-being of employees
• increased employee loyalty, commitment and motivation
• a reduction in staff turnover and recruitment costs
Work Balance Advantages: Families
The benefits of a work-life balance aren’t just limited to the workforce. Well-placed work-life balance policies can also benefit families and lead to:
• the ability to establish quality time with God
• time to meet family responsibilities
• better relationships (husband, wife, children, family and friends)
• able to share important moments in your child’s life
• reduced family stress
• more quality time with family and oneself
• react to changing market conditions more effectively and meet customer demands
Before embarking on the journey to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, you must ask yourself this fundamental question. Who do you trust to define what constitutes a “balanced life”? Is it the mandates of society, teachers, spouse, family, friends, co-workers, bosses, church members, TV commercials, or oneself? From personal experiences, I can say that all of the above variables (even with good care) can lead you to miss the goal of obtaining a balanced Christian lifestyle and work.
While all truth is God’s truth, Scripture is the final authority for health, wholeness, and balance. Only when people are in good physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual condition are they said to be living a balanced and healthy life. Of course, this must start with being a follower of Jesus Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into these truths. If not, but want to be a follower of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, take this time and opportunity to invite him into your life.
In this sense, some issues should be considered. Would you be able to be mentally, emotionally, and socially healthy without God’s guidance? Can you function the way God intended you to function without being rightly related to Jesus Christ? Nope!
Viable applications for a balanced life
Here are seven “practice areas” needed to achieve the critical work-life balance. Initially, harmony must be developed between the different dimensions of our life:
1) It is necessary to balance the Christian spiritual doctrine between: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Including balance in our intake of God’s Word, balanced prayer, worship, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, and Christian discipleship.
2) You need social balance: family, friends, co-workers, church family, neighbors and others.
3) You require balance in your finances: Be a good steward of what God has given us.
4) You need balance in your vocational efforts: Colossians 3:23-24 New International Version (NIV) 23 Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as for the Lord, not for human masters. 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ whom you are serving.
5) You need a psychological balance between: Mind, Will and Emotions
6) You must adjust the balance in your physical life: Rest, Exercise, Creativity and Recreation.
While this is just a short list of areas that should be considered. Feel free to add any areas that you think are throwing you off balance.
Here are seven “functional realities” necessary to achieve the critical work-life balance we yearn to achieve. The first (and most important) step is to fix your eyes on the Word and the will of God.
1. Love God first of all: with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
2. Focus on the things of God
3. Maintain your spiritual fervor. Share your faith.
4. Fulfillment – Whatever your task, do it for God with all your heart.
5. Listen and Talk: Be quick to listen and slow to talk.
6. Trust in God – everything God does is worthy of our trust.
7. Commitment to God – in all your ways trust and acknowledge God.
8. Communion with God – apart from Christ we can do nothing.
Here are seven “realistic steps” needed to achieve the crucial work-life balance we all crave. These “how-to” questions were designed to help you get closer to yourself. Like any journey, you must have a starting point.
1. What elements should you take into account to become more balanced?
2. What is my weakest link? For example, the lack of time management, excesses or laziness, to name a few.
3. What health principles do I need to learn and implement?
4. Where is my most unbalanced life?
5. What is the most important step I can take right now?
6. What spiritual truth am I breaking that I need to follow?
7. When am I going to start the journey to be more in balance?
8. What strategies will ensure my success? For example, seeking a counselor, redefining the essentials, relieving bad habits, etc.
By starting with a single strategic step and proceeding to improve a daily schedule, you will be on the path to creating a meaningful “work/life” balance.
Key Scriptures:
Offering and asking for forgiveness – Ephesians 4:32; Acts 24:16
Live a life full of joy -John 10:10b and 15:11
Healthy, loving relationships – John 13:34, 35; Novels 12:16
Personal spiritual well-being – 3 John 2
Develop your own concept based on grace – Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 5:7
Discovering God’s purpose for your life – 2 Corinthians 5:15
While no one has ever achieved the perfect balance in this life, by understanding this Biblical principle, you can nonetheless try to follow the example of Jesus Christ as he “matured and developed in wisdom, stature, and favor with God.” and man -Luke 2:52).