Christians
often think that to enjoy the features of living on this earth is to
be earthly minded; and to pray, read the Bible and do Christian work is to
live a holy, spiritually-minded life. This is not necessarily true.
God
created all good things for us to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). He put us on this
diverse and beautiful planet so that we can enjoy His glory and majesty
surrounding us. All creation points us to the reality of His existence (Romans
1:20).
God
also gifts us with talents in music, mechanics, giving, art, engineering,
caring, teaching, technology, preaching, serving, etc. We actually balance out our
earthly pursuits when we do them with a spiritual mind, in response to the
leading of God's Spirit and for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Our
soul - our thoughts, emotions and choices - requires times of leisure and
recreation in order to maximize its effectiveness. If our soul does not
prosper, our body and spirit will suffer also (3 John 1:2).
The
problem arises when we only focus on this world and our soul. The type of
recreation and the amount of time and money we put into earthly pursuits
determines whether or not we are catering to the flesh.
We
relate to our physical world with our five senses and also involve our desires,
instinct and intellect. We interact in the spiritual world through our spirit,
which is Born Again at the moment of salvation.
If
our focus is consumed with the natural aspects of life, our spirit will suffer,
and our body and soul will endure deprivation as well. If we attempt to perfect
our self through the flesh, rather than through the Spirit of Christ in us, all
that we reap is more flesh.
As
we focus on God's will for each moment of our day, He works out His
sanctification and perfection in us, and gives us a fulfilled life that blesses
everyone that comes in contact with us.
Prayer:
Father
God, lead us to live a healthy life in body, soul and spirit. Help us to
see that if we primarily focus on fleshly, carnal aspects of life – even
positive things such as our job, church, family and hobbies - they become
idols. If we focus on religious aspects of life, we grow self-righteous and
judgmental. You give us balance if we seek You and Your will for each moment of
our day.
You
desire that we carry Your spirituality and will into every detail of our daily
lives (Colossians 3:17). We do all things through the strength and energy You
supply for us. In this way, we cannot take any credit, but we will give you all
of the glory and power forever and ever (1 Peter 4:10-11). We thank You for Your
comfort, and ask You to comfort others through us (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Though
for the Day:
If we trust in our own abilities and wealth, we will fail; but as we step aside and allow God to bless others through us, we will prosper as well. - Proverbs 11:28
If we trust in our own abilities and wealth, we will fail; but as we step aside and allow God to bless others through us, we will prosper as well. - Proverbs 11:28
