The lesson for last week in our Sunday school book asked the following question: "How can Christians strike a balance between devoting time and effort to things of this world that are practical responsibilities (work, caretaking, parenting), things that are for pleasure, and things that are purposeful toward building relationship with God?" (Sharp). I read that, and I thought to myself, "That's the wrong question. The real question is: 'What are you even doing up there on that tightrope? Get down...Now...You look ridiculous. And get out of those tights and put some pants on before somebody sees you.'"
The Lord never intended for us to "balance" all of life's responsibilities as though they are separate. For the man of God, life is not compartmentalized. Matthew 6:31-33 teaches us not to worry about all of those "things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." Instead we are told to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to [us]." My life must be a unified whole, walking as a living sacrifice in obedience to the Lord.
So how can we live our lives according to Matthew 6:31-33? The answer is in Galatians 2:20, among other places in Scripture. The verse reads: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Place the cares of this life into the hands of the Lord. Stop trying to balance, and jump off of that tightrope headfirst into the crucified life, in full assurance of faith in the One who loved you, and delivered Himself up for you.
Sharp, Mary Jo. "Session 1: The God Who Answers with Fire." Prophets and Kings. Vol. 5. Nashville: Lifeway Christian Resources, 2016. 14. Print. The Gospel Project.