When you have a family with kids at home, there’s no getting around the fact that your life is filled with activities. Some of them are critically important and others are less so, but when you are busy, you often don’t have much time to think about how to allocate your time. Sometimes, it’s just: Go! Go! Go! When your daylight hours are filled with an endless progression of obligations, tasks, errands, and activities, finding the proper balance between work, family, and faith is challenging.
Men who come to us at Man in the Mirror often express the frustration that the competing demands of their lives leave them feeling stretched too thin. Too often, God gets left on the backburner—not because He is not important to your family, but because there are a lot of urgent pots on the stove.
Yet most of us know and acknowledge that God should always be the most important of our priorities. So, how can we make that a reality in how we live? It might not be as difficult as you think.
God calls us to a life of balance, where our work honors Him, our families are nurtured, and our faith grows deeper. Here are some practical tips to help you keep God at the center while meeting life’s many demands.
1. Start Each Day with God
Before diving into the day, set aside time to connect with God. Even five to ten minutes in prayer, Scripture reading, or journaling can make a difference. Consider using a devotional or reading plan to keep your time structured and focused.
Tip: Place your Bible or devotional by your bedside or the coffee maker as a reminder. Better yet, keep your Bible on a table near a comfortable chair in a quiet spot. Every morning, retreat to this spot to spend the first few minutes of your day in prayer, reflection, or meditation.
2. Articulate Clear Priorities
Balancing work, family, and faith starts with knowing what matters most. Write down your core priorities, with God and family at the top, and read or recite them often. When you have clarity, it’s easier to make decisions throughout the day that keep God at the forefront of what you do and think.
Tip: Create a weekly schedule that reflects your priorities. Block out time for work, family activities, and spiritual growth.
3. Be Fully Present
Whether at work, home, or church, strive to give your full attention to the task or people at hand. Perform each task with the conscious understanding that doing your duty is a way to glorify God. When you are distracted, it dilutes the quality of your work and undermines your intention to give your best for God Himself, not just your customer or employer.
Scriptural Reminder: Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” This includes how you engage with your family and faith, not just your career.
4. Practice Sabbath Rest
Even God took a day off to rest! God instituted the Sabbath as a gift to all of us for worship and self-restoration. Taking a day to spend time with family and focus on God can recharge your spirit and strengthen your relationships. Remember that God gave us this commandment for a reason—He knows us better than we know ourselves. When you and your family actively practice keeping the Sabbath holy, you soon appreciate the rhythm of a life lived in harmony with God’s plan.
Practical Ideas: Every Sunday, attend church with your family and plan a relaxing activity, like a nature walk or a family game night. Give Mom a day off from cooking by eating out, ordering pizza, or having a pre-planned meal. Take a break from emails, chores, and electronics. Reconnect with God’s world and disconnect from man’s.
5. Involve Your Family in Your Faith Journey
Spiritual growth isn’t just personal—it’s a family affair. Lead your spouse and children in faith-building activities to grow together in Christ.
Tip: Start a family devotional time, even if it’s just once a week. Pray together before meals and bedtime. Serve in ministry or volunteer as a family. Helping others reinforces faith and fosters a sense of unity.
6. Set Healthy Work Boundaries
It’s easy for work to dominate your time and energy, but unchecked, it can rob you of family moments and spiritual growth. Setting boundaries is crucial for balance.
Action Plan: Define clear work hours and stick to them. Communicate with your employer about your commitment to family and faith. Avoid overcommitting to projects that leave no room for rest or relationships. Set these boundaries in your career as well as your private life.
Encouragement: Proverbs 23:4 advises, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” Remember that God is your ultimate provider.
7. Cultivate Relationships with Other Godly Men
Accountability and encouragement from other Christian men can keep you on track. Whether through a small group, Bible study, or mentoring relationship, find a community where you can share struggles and grow together.
Resource: Find resources, like those at Man in the Mirror, that can direct you and your group to build Christ-centered relationships.
8. Celebrate Small Wins
Balancing work, family, and faith isn’t about perfection but progress. Celebrate the small wins, like a meaningful conversation with your spouse or a breakthrough in your prayer life.
Encouragement: Philippians 4:6 reminds us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Thankfulness keeps you grounded in God’s blessings.
9. Lean on God’s Strength
Finally, remember that balance doesn’t rest on your shoulders alone. Trust God to guide you and give you the strength to manage your responsibilities. When life feels overwhelming, lean on His promise in Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Balancing work, family, and faith is a journey, not a destination. By putting God at the center of your life and taking practical steps to prioritize relationships and responsibilities, you can honor Him while finding peace and purpose. If you want additional ideas, feel free to reach out to Man in the Mirror for resources, support, and community to help you stay on course.
