Achieving a Balanced Life

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 1:2 (NKJV)

People set and implement goals because they desire a good life. To many, such a life means having a lot of money, irrespective of how one obtains the money. Conversely, scripture recommends achieving balanced prosperity, not just material wealth.

Unwelcome Ills of Affluence

If money makes people happy, why is there an upsurge in non-communicable diseases in Western societies? Apparently, as people grow richer, they tend to become overweight and obese and this results in hypertension, diabetes, stroke and related illnesses.

Wealth also tends to have affinity to social ills. Improvement is economic status often corresponds with alcoholism, use of illegal drugs and prostitution. Further, instead of money boosting family unity, it sometimes leads to separation, divorce and dysfunctional families.

‘The Opium of the Poor’

On the flipside, blind obsession with religion results in what Karl Max referred to as ‘the opium of the poor’. Some professed believers pursue spiritual goals at the expense of family, jobs and personal health, thus leading imbalanced lives.

They believe that if they spend most or all of their time in church activities, God will automatically transform their lives. Prayer becomes as substitute for work. Sadly, as spiritual activity increases, so does poverty and ill health.

Prosper in all Things

John had spent three and a half years with Jesus and had benefited from the teachings and example of Jesus. Towards the end of his life, the apostle wrote to Gaius, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2).

Notice that while he commends Gaius for strong faith in God (just as your soul prospers). Further, the apostle wishes that at the same time Gaius will excel in all other aspects of life (prosper in all things) and enjoy good health.

Well-Adjusted Success

In other words, God wants us to achieve balanced prosperity. Pursuing wealth and pleasure at the expense of health and spiritual wellness is as detestable to God as engaging in religious activities while neglecting your health, family and temporal development.

In His childhood, Jesus achieved holistic development. Luke states, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. “ (Luke 2:52). In other words, Jesus excelled mentally, physically, spiritually and socially.

Achieving Balanced Prosperity

Take a moment to review your life, including your achievement and plans. Would you say your life is balanced? If not, which aspect(s) of your life do you need to work on to achieve balanced prosperity? Ask God for help to improve your areas of weakness.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I know you want me to achieve balanced prosperity. Please help me identify my areas of weakness and make necessary adjustments by Your grace.