By Todd Barrier

Summer is almost over. School is almost back in session. Just a few more weeks, and it’s back to the grind of balancing school, work and sports.

We seem to fill our schedules up for the summer rather quickly, then our schedules seem to fill themselves up as soon as summer is over.

For the Christian, how do we balance it all out? How do we keep up with the things in this world but keep our relationship with God strong?

It’s a tough question to answer.

Some might have a method that works for them but wouldn’t work for someone else. It’s something we have to do, though. If we don’t have that balance, our relationship with God is damaged, and the hustle and bustle of this world can overwhelm us.

So, there might be many different ways each person can balance things out, but it all begins with one thing: In Matthew 6:33 the Bible says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Seek God first!

When you make those schedules, fill up those calendars and come up with those plans, always ask yourself: “Is this going to disrupt my relationship with God?”

When we seek God first, we are always aware whether or not we are taking away from our spiritual life to fulfill our worldly desires.

When we seek Him first, we are making sure we are balancing out our life in a positive manner that keeps us close to Him!

So, as summer comes to a close and the schedules once again fill up with school, sports and other activities, ask yourself, what are you seeking first in your life?