AVIZANDUM: Life Balance

Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters Avise endum The Labor Day weekend is just behind us. For many it was a change of pace. were not machines or artificial intelligence. Rather, we are human beings made in image of God.

God did not design us to work without a break. In the Jewish calendar there were special days for festivals which, among other things, provided a break from the routine of life. One of the Ten Commandments was Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.

Now, I realize all Christians don't agree. As to the application of the Sabbath, but all of us agree that we need a day of rest, a day different from the other six. My personal conviction and understanding of Scripture is that we are not under the Mosaic law as a rule of law. were under the law of Christ.

However, the principle of rest is important. Our Saviour invites people to come to Him. and I will give you rest. I realize this is primarily spiritual rest. But the Christian is to live a life of peace.

rather than of frantic activity and anxiety.

So what does this rest look like? is it a matter of sitting on our couch? and binging on T V. Is it playing a game of golf? Physical and emotional rest are probably experienced by us in different ways.

But whatever the rest is, there should be a Sabbath. whereby we lay aside our work, and are renewed in spirit by worshipping God and praising Him. When I was a student at Edinburgh University I resolved never to study on Sunday, the Lord's Day. This meant that even if I had an important exam on a Monday, I did not study on a Sunday. I don't regret that choice and that discipline.

It meant that on Sunday I could worship the Lord with his people, serve him, and leave aside my law books.

So I looked forward to Sundays. it wrested my brain from legal niceties, refreshed my spirit, and gave me time to serve the Lord. I observed some of my fellow students as they came to the final year exams. One of them had a nervous breakdown close to the final exams. He had studied twenty four seven.

to his detriment.

Now, I don't impose on other people my decision not to study on Sundays. But today, when we talk about life balance, it is sometimes used in a very self-indulgent way. to escape the responsibilities of life. The frequent cliche that God comes first, then our family, and then our work has never been particularly appealing to me. I prefer to see the Lord Jesus at the center of every facet of life.

We like to put different aspects of our life into different boxes, into different segments. and we tend to forget that whatever we do, were to do heartily as unto the Lord.

So strive for a Christ-centered life. If you do that, The Lord will give you wisdom regarding the amount of time you spend at work. with your family alone with the Lord's people and so on. Jesus instructed his disciples to come apart and rest awhile. Our Lord also spent time alone.

Solitude is a vital dimension and discipline in our lives. We certainly need to spend time with our family and friends. Obviously we need to worship and serve. with the Lord's people. We should be sharing our faith with unbelievers.

But we also need to spend time alone. going for a walk. sitting on the back porch. walking on the seashore. sitting alone in the family room, are very important for our well being.

We can read the word of God. Commune with God. Meditate on scripture, rest their weary bodies, and a fresh present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. In the wisdom of God, he instituted a day of rest. Consider it.

It will help your so-called life balance. Alexander. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is senior pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms.

For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.