BALANCED

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him and a threefold cord is not quickly broken – Ecclesiastes 4:12

The Ordered Life is a BALANCED Life. A well-organized life is not the same as a balanced, well-ordered life. One can live an extremely organized life, but it may not be well-ordered. A balanced life asks deeper questions of what matters: Who is really in charge of my life? Where is God in my life? Does my schedule reflect who I am as His child? Am I giving time to the right things? How much time am I wasting on peripheral matters? Am I missing any important matters of life? Do I love God with my all my heart, mind, and soul?  (Dt. 6:5; Mt. 22:37). Being more efficient in life or using time more wisely, or working harder or being busier isn’t the key; the key is living a balanced, well-ordered life; one that has a healthy integration of priorities; one that recognizes there are matters more important than just keeping up with what is on a daily to-do list. 

Life is about centering our lives in God; and stepping away from the idolatry that makes up much of life in our modern world. A balanced life is based on God’s Kingdom-principle that the things that matter to God should matter to us. A balanced life can manifest in a variety of dimensions. Here are seven such vital areas:

Balanced in Doctrine: “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffereing and teaching” (2Tim.4:2). Our doctrine should properly balance convincing, rebuking, and exhorting.

Balance in Hearing and Doing: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jam.1:22). We must be balanced in what we hear and do. We have two ears to hear and one mouth to speak. Perhaps that means we should listen twice as much as we speak. Moreover, applying God’s Word is equally as important as hearing its instruction.

Balance in Getting and Giving: of services and finances. God commands us to give, but there must be a balance: “Give and it shall be given to you…” (Lk.6:38). As we give to the work of God, He will give back to us and bless us, so that we can give again. One who gives without getting will end up being empty. Getting without giving will lead to deadness and stagnancy. A channel and vessel that God uses will get and give, and get and give! A selfish person who takes and never gives materially will die unfulfilled. Even biologically, there must be outlets for our intakes of food and drink.

Balance between Labour and Rest: many are running through life so quickly that they never stop to truly enjoy it. Others think that a life without work is best. Solomon advised balance (Eccl.4:4-6).

Balance of Work and Pleasure: in recreational/entertainment - work relationship. All work and no play will make Jack a dull boy; but all play and no work will make him a bum. A boat with two properly functioning oars in the water will move forward. One with only one oar working will go in circles. An automobile engine must have the proper balance of fuel, air, and electricity to properly perform. Modern society idolizes pleasure and there is virtually no sanctity in anything.

Balance in Making Time for Others: with the surge of relational problems, many people want to go it alone, but we were not made to be or live alone. Solomon argued for synergy (Eccl4:7-12). TV and social media are destroying the fabrics of relationships. Human life is trivialized, resulting in abuses, assaults, murders and killings. To many, human life means nothing. It all boils down to lack a balanced sense of responsibility.

Contentment: Do not live for carnal ambition or fame, but trust God for your position. Always seek to learn, grow and make wise choices in Him. Contentment is the better life because it is based on trusting God for promotion and success.