I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.

Balance is always a problem because there seems to always be more of something than something else. Paul was able to find balance where ever he found himself planted…even when he is under arrest.

He reminds us that he has had plenty and he has had nothing. Finding that balance is important, and Paul was able to find balance between his relationship with Christ, the people he loved, and his situation.

In our congregations, it has been my experience that those Christ followers that manage to find a balance between jobs, families, culture, worship, prayer life and concerns have the ingredients to cause the kingdom to become closer at hand.

So, how does one or a group of “ones” find that balance?

I believe that the key to finding this balance, which was exemplified by Paul’s state of contentment, is by putting first things first.

Let us seek first the kingdom of God, let us pray continuously, let us do what it takes to balance our spiritual lives with our physical lives…let us be healthy, as both individuals and congregations, so that we are able to love God and love the neighbors Christ has given us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to focus, and help us to set our priorities to bring balance to our being. Amen.

The Rev. Stephen Webb
Chairperson, Fellowship of Local Pastors & Associate Members-Memphis Conference