Do You Know What It Means To Be Balanced?
Good Morning Friends,
Within certain parameters, there are definitive aspects of balance as it pertains to our lives. This is especially true from lessons we can learn from God’s Word. However, there are additional aspects that we should examine about the “total” concept of balance. The Webster’s New World Dictionary adds these definitions to the concept of balance: “a state of equilibrium or equipurpose; equality in amount, weight, value or importance, as between two things or the parts of a thing.” It is “a mental or emotional stability, a harmonious proportion and a pleasing harmony of various elements in any given situation.” Do You Know What It Means To Be Balanced?
Scripture: As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)
Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
Proverbs 9:9-11 (NRSV)
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.
Proverbs 11:1 (NRSV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV)
Message: There is a shift in the focus of New Year’s resolutions being reported this holiday season. Instead of the standard lose weight and exercise more or make more money, a new category of “living life to the fullest” is getting a lot more selections. I am not sure how people are exacting this resolution but I do hope that they realize that God is the good foundation for the future of such an experience. You see, every day we get two invitations- one from Wisdom and one from Folly. Both are whispering the same words but the outcome for choosing one is death and the other life. A choice is necessary. Each offers immediate satisfaction. One is lasting. The other is not. Today’s scripture is Wisdom that gives us some guidance on living a Godly life that is balanced in a relationship with the Trinity. It leads us to the conclusion that in our life there is no spiritual learning without obedience to the redeemer, no discipleship without love of the creator, no experience of the Spirit without faith in the sustainer. To avoid the precarious pitfalls of life we are to have a firm foundation in a trinity that engages our heart, mind and spirit in action. It must be balanced by righteous action, a simple knowledge of the heart that shows forth His compassionate, encouraging love. And here we might just discover that the oneness of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit gives us balance in our journey, and in our pursuit of the life that is really life.
Pray we put into action those things that are God-centered and God inspired. Pray we find time to reconnect in the healing rest of the Lord finding balance between sitting and serving… duty and devotion. Pray we realize that being thankful helps us in staying balanced. Pray we refuse to do those things that are selfish and unhelpful. Pray we understand, accept and fulfill our God-given roles in life. Pray we realize that God is the way to a balanced way of life and a foundation that can really help us live life to the fullest. Pray we walk in the power and sustaining strength of the Holy Spirit, the grace and redemption of Christ and the creativity of the Creator Father.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 