Finding Balance

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.

 

1 Peter 2:21

 

 

Many Christians, including myself and people I am close to, often state the need for "balance" in the Christian life. We have all heard statements such as, "The key to life is balance, balance, balance." It seems to make such sense and give us a feeling of freedom from anything that might distract us or take up too much of our time.

 

Many of us look for the perfect balance in our lives.

Just what is it that we're balancing?

 

Between a little bit of good and a little bit of bad?

 

Of course, in the practical aspects of day-to-day life, balance can be a good thing. We should balance our food intake, our activity level, commitments, etc. After all, it would not be a good thing to only eat hot fudge sundaes every day, or run everywhere we go and never walk.

 

We do need balance, but how do we apply it to the Christian life?

As believers, we are called to be like Christ.

 

How many of us would say that Jesus lived a "balanced" life?

 

Were Paul or Peter balanced men?

 

What about Noah or Abraham?

 

We wouldn't consider building an ark or leading hundreds of people out of Egypt marks of men concerned with balance—they were radical!

God has called and is preparing each of us for certain roles that only we can fulfill for His glory. One day I hope to fulfill the calling of being a wife and when thinking about balance in this particular role it makes one stop and think…

 

Would you be thinking, "Oh! I've spent too much time being a blessing to my husband this week. I really should cut back on that! I need to be balanced." Instead, would you not want to radically throw yourself into being the very best wife to your husband you can be for God's glory?

Throughout God's Word, we are commanded to obey Him and be conformed to His image. At times this may require us to do things others consider extreme and we might be encouraged to "find some balance."

 

But, perhaps, it is not about being balanced, but instead keeping our focus on God. God is and has everything in complete balance and order—whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Thus as we focus on Him we will be in that complete balance and order in relation to the Christian life and that which God is calling us to.