Jesus was strategic in the way he spent his time. He had a sense that his time on earth was short and he wanted to pour everything he had into the work God had for him. To that end, Jesus used a number disciplines to achieve the balance he needed to complete his formidable mission. What were they?
Ten Disciplines for a Balanced Life
1. He knew how to say, “no.”
Jesus always said, “no,” to the wrong things so that he could say, “yes,” to the right things.
The best example is when Jesus’ disciples told him that the people were demanding to see him and his healing power and Jesus said, “No – instead, let’s go to the small villages to preach the gospel because that’s why I have come” (Mark 1:38). Jesus said, “no,” to a good thing, so that he could do the best thing.
He once even said “no” to his own mother because he was focusing on his relationship with those who had committed to his movement (Mark 3:31-35). Jesus knew how to set boundaries.
2. He retreated regularly.
Jesus left Galilee with his disciples and travelled to the region of Tyre and Sidon (Matt. 15:21). He was staying with a friend and didn’t want anyone to know he was there (Mark 7:24). This was just one of several times that Jesus took a strategic and prolonged retreat to rest and renew (Mark 6:32).
3. He explored ideas outside the comfort zone.
Jesus showed a willingness to go beyond traditional boundaries in three areas in particular – purity, Gentiles, and women. Jesus was willing to touch things that were considered impure (Luke 4:36). In fact, a consistent criticism levelled against him was that he ate with sinners (Luke 15:2).
Jesus was also willing to heal and associate with Gentiles (Mark 5:9).
Jesus taught women, travelled with them, and allowed them to be his disciples (Luke 8:3; 23:27; 23:55).
Jesus was constantly exploring territory beyond the traditional comfort zones.
4. He listened.
Jesus took time to hear the thoughts and concerns of his disciples. He listened to the cries of the hurting in the villages. Most important – he listened to his heavenly Father (John 14:24). Jesus was a good listener.
5. He knew how to delegate and empower.
Jesus modelled the work to his disciples. Then he sent them out and empowered them to do all the things he had been doing – teaching, preaching, healing, and casting out evil spirits – they did it all (Matt. 10:1). Jesus even told them they would do greater things than him (John 14:12). Jesus made the people around him even better by delegating and empowering them.
6. He knew how to ask for help.
Jesus went to his friends when he was afraid or in pain. He asked them to pray for him and to watch his back (Matt. 26:36). He knew that he needed others by his side. He knew how to ask for help.
7. He eliminated activities and people that drained him.
Jesus refused to live in places that threatened his life. His most famous foils were the Pharisees. He argued with them from time to time, but mostly he just stayed away from them. Jesus spent most of his time with the ones who were committed to his vision for the world.
8. He reduced all clutter.
Jesus told his disciples not to store up for themselves treasures on earth (Matt. 6:19). It doesn’t last. He said that his followers would not have a pillow to sleep on (Matt. 8:20). When he sent his disciples out to share the message, he told them to take the bare minimum with them (Matt. 10:10). Jesus reduced material clutter.
9. He managed his fears and anxieties.
Jesus experienced fear. He encouraged his disciples to learn how to manage their fears and anxieties (Matt. 6:25). He modelled it for them. He taught them that worrying never added a single positive thing to your life (Matt. 6:27). The night before his death he managed his anxieties through solidarity with his community and prayer (Mark 14:34).
10. He waited on God.
First, and foremost, Jesus was able to create balance in his life because he waited on God’s instructions and leadership. Once, the disciples asked Jesus about the Great Day of the Lord. “When was that day coming?” they asked. Jesus told them that even he didn’t know and that they simply had to wait on the Lord (Matt. 24:36).
The Old Testament prophet said, “those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isa. 40:31). Jesus lived out this verse.
Jesus showed us the characteristics vital to living a perfectly balanced life.
