Living a Life of Balance

 By: Joanne Viola

Lately I have been thinking about balance. The word conjures up several ideas in my head:

• balance beam
• balance sheet
• weights and balances
• in the balance
• balancing act

They each speak of order or perspective. The dictionary defines “balance” as: ”a state of equilibrium; a mental steadiness or emotional stability; a habit of calm behavior and judgment”.

Most people strive for balance. Some have more balance than others. We tend to think of a “balanced” person as being perfect in all areas. Many would agree that there are days that it seems we are unable to maintain balance.

The question that has been weaving in my head the last few days is – What does balance need to look like in the life of a believer?

In looking back at the definitions of balance, it was the third one which caught my attention – “a habit of calm behavior and judgment”. A habit? This would infer balance is something that we can incline ourselves towards. Is it then possible that balance can become a tendency in our lives? Can balance become customary in our lives?

Having a husband in the auto industry, I found this quote interesting:

“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” (Brian Tracy)

Who of us does not want life to run more smoothly, requiring less energy? So the question now becomes, what is the balance that we need to maintain? Scripture tells us:

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father
in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.
God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
(John 4: 23-24, NASB)

These are the very words of Jesus Himself. Jesus reiterates the  words, “in spirit and in truth” twice.

“In spirit and in truth” means with a sincere mind, with a true heart, not with mere external rites.” (New Testament Lexical Aids)

As people, particularly as women, we are both intellectual and emotional. That is the balance we need to strive for in our relationships with Christ.

We do not want to be too emotional, as then we will lean towards the experiential in our walk. We do not want to lean to heavily on our intellect, as then we will become legalistic in our walk. We want to find that balance, (there’s the word), of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit with both our hearts and our minds.

When we become the kind of worshiper Christ desires – worshiping in spirit and in truth – we become a balanced people, possessing calm and wise behavior, and judgment.

“There’s no secret to balance. You just have to feel the waves.” (Frank Hebert)

So while there may not be a specific formula by which we become balanced,
may we feel the waves of  His Spirit as we walk with Him and thereby,
become a balanced people.

 

Reflection:

How do you find balance in your life?
When you find yourself out of balance, how do you bring your life back into alignment?

 

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay