July 11
SEEDS
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ––Philippians 4:8
What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important. —Dwight D. Eisenhower
When you feel out of balance, it’s hard to stay positive. It’s like that too-heavy blanket in the washing machine that starts banging on the side of the drum during the spin cycle. The problem is when we start to fall behind—forget priorities, feel overwhelmed, struggle to be proactive—it throws our entire lives off balance. Pastor and author Dr. Ted Roberts talks about the acronym SEEDS (adapted from the original by Dr. John Arden), and it has really resonated with me. It’s simple, uncomplicated advice worth considering:
S – Social contacts. Put in the work to maintain a strong set of Christian brothers; an inner circle that will hold you accountable, encourage you, and call you out if something is out of whack.
E – Exercise. When we move, our brain oxygenates and all sorts of good things happen—not to mention the benefits that a good brisk walk or jog have on your heart and the rest of your body.
E – Education. Stay connected with God through prayer and by educating yourself in His Word. As well, supplement your Bible reading with edifying books and articles that help you grow in every area of your life—spiritually, mentally, and physically.
D – Diet. It’s not complicated, right? The more we consume foods as close to the original state in which God made them, the healthier we will tend to be. There’s a reason why the Levitical Laws tell us not to eat pork or shellfish. Even though under the New Covenant it’s not a sin for us to do so, modern medical science has proven that the “scavenger meats” are not all that great for us. It’s about moderation, common sense, and choosing the healthier alternative, while skipping the preservatives and the “white foods”—processed flour and sugar, etc.
S – Sleep. Thirty minutes before you turn out the light, turn off all electronics—a media blackout. Study the Word, read a good book. Aim for at least seven hours of shut eye a night—the more sleep is studied, the more science reveals its importance to our physical and mental health.
Fight for your balance. Sometimes it just means taking a break from the grind for a day—a mini retreat at home or outside—to reset your priorities and spend concentrated time with the Lord.
Father, help me use tools like SEEDS to reset, recalibrate, and reengage. Make your priorities my priorities, and help me regain my balance spiritually, emotionally, and physically.