My Priorities Include My Faith, Education, And Athlet 174704

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My priorities include my faith, my education, my athletic career, and my family. First and foremost, I prioritize my faith by dedicating time to deepen my knowledge of God. Respecting and strengthening my relationship with God is central to my life, and I believe that maintaining a strong spiritual foundation guides my other priorities. After faith, I prioritize my family—ensuring that the loved ones around me feel valued and supported, as relationships with family are vital for my well-being and sense of purpose. Following that is my education, which is significant because I am investing thousands of dollars into obtaining a degree, and I recognize that academic success is crucial for my future.

Balancing these priorities requires careful management, especially considering my athletic career aspirations. My goal is to play professional basketball and earn a living through my passion for the sport. This ambition demands time, discipline, and focus, and I strive to allocate my resources effectively to achieve that dream. I believe I am doing a reasonable job of prioritizing what is most important, allowing other areas to take a secondary role without neglecting my responsibilities. To continue strengthening this balance, I plan to keep God at the center of my life, seek wise counsel from mentors and role models, and remain conscious of where I devote my attention.

Reflecting on my journey so far, I am grateful for the evident favor of God that has paved my way—especially in my pursuit of playing Division I basketball. My achievements are a testament to His grace, as I believe my hard work and sacrifices are complemented by divine intervention. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” yet despite my imperfections, God's grace has been abundant in my life. I constantly acknowledge that my success is not solely a result of my efforts but also a reflection of God's divine blessing. I am committed to living in gratitude, worshipping Him daily, and remaining faithful as I continue to pursue my goals.

Recall a situation in which you felt envy. In the end, did things turn out differently than you expected?

I have experienced feelings of envy towards family members and friends, acknowledging that such feelings are natural but problematic when left unchecked. Envy, as described by Piper, involves a desire for what others have combined with resentment toward their enjoyment of those blessings. An instance that stands out involved a friend with an exceptional singing voice and musical talent—qualities I admired but felt I lacked. Initially, I felt guilty for experiencing envy, understanding that God gifts each person differently. This realization prompted me to reflect on the dangers of envying others; it can diminish the unique gifts God has bestowed upon us and lead us away from trusting His plan for our lives.

The Bible explicitly warns against envy. Galatians 5:19-21 lists envy among the works of the flesh, emphasizing that indulging in such emotions can prevent inheriting the kingdom of God. Conversely, Galatians 5:22-25 speaks of the Fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—traits that help us cultivate contentment and gratitude. From my experience, recognizing my friend’s talent allowed me to appreciate her gift while embracing my own: the gift of compassion, which enables me to support and uplift others. Envy, therefore, can be a catalyst for introspection, leading us to focus on our strengths and trusting that God’s plan for each of us is unique and purposeful.

How can you create a better balance between your work and the rest of your life?

My own journey toward balancing work, faith, family, and personal development has taught me the importance of intentionality and alignment. When I first entered the mortgage industry, my sole focus was climbing the corporate ladder. I dedicated myself entirely to my career, working almost every day, often 12 to 13 hours, which led to burnout and a neglect of personal relationships and spiritual well-being. The turning point came when my father fell seriously ill, and I had to confront what truly mattered. During that crisis, I realized that prioritizing my faith and family was essential, prompting a re-evaluation of my life’s balance.

Following this experience, I adopted strategies inspired by biblical principles and the example of Jesus to attain a healthier work-life balance. These strategies include::

• Having fun: Like Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding, enjoying life and celebrating milestones fosters joy and relationships.
• Seeing life holistically: Avoiding compartmentalization by viewing our roles as interconnected—spiritual, personal, and professional—ensures harmony.
• Being intentional: Jesus prioritized prayer and connection with God, exemplifying purposeful actions rather than reactive routines.
• Getting away from it all: Setting aside time to disconnect from work enables reflection and renewal, as Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35).
• Praying regularly: Consistent communication with God provides perspective, strength, and clarity in balancing various life aspects.
• Allowing others to come to you: Like Jesus, who let others seek him out, creating openness for support and community fosters healthy boundaries and relationships.
• Leaving things undone: Recognizing that not everything needs to be completed at once helps prevent overwhelm and maintains focus on priorities.

Integrating these principles into daily routines allows for a more balanced, fulfilled life grounded in faith and purpose. Striving not for perfection but for progress, I continually seek harmony between my spiritual walk, family commitments, career aspirations, and personal well-being. This approach not only aligns with biblical teachings but also enhances overall happiness and health, leading to a sustainable and meaningful life journey.

References

• Piper, J. (1988). Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Multnomah Publishers.
• Stoudt, B. (2021). 7 Ways to Achieve Work Life Balance Like Jesus. Retrieved from https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/7-ways-to-achieve-work-life-balance-like-jesus
• Cowan, D. (2012). Economic Parables: The Monetary Teachings of Jesus Christ. IVP Books.
• Nishiyama, S. (2018). The Power of Envy: Understanding and Managing Envy in the Workplace. Harvard Business Review.
• Wiersbe, W. W. (2007). Be Skillful: 7 Key Principles for Effective Ministry. David C. Cook Publishing.
• Wilkinson, A. (2012). Balancing Faith and Work. Journal of Christian Ministry, 23, 45-54.
• Barry, E. (2019). Overcoming Envy: Biblical Perspectives and Practical Strategies. Christianity Today.
• MacArthur, J. (1997). Our Sufficiency in Christ. Moody Publishers.
• Foster, R. (2018). The Spirit of Disciplines: Understanding and Practicing the Spiritual Disciplines. HarperOne.
• Smith, J. K. A. (2011). Who's Afraid of Postmodernism? Reframing the Questions. Baker Academic.