In gymnastics, one of the more challenging exercises is the balance beam. On a horizontal raised apparatus that is only four inches wide, the gymnast performs various balancing feats, trying not fall off either side. Some gymnasts make it look so easy; some seem a little less skilled; some of us would make fools of ourselves just taking one step onto the beam. As with most endeavors, practice and determination are the keys to success in maintaining proper balance.
As Christians, we have a balance beam on which we walk with the Lord. Except, as Christians, this is not a sport or a competition—it is real life! As Christians, it is not a mere four feet down if we fall—it is a bottomless pit that awaits! Therefore, with an eternal home in heaven at stake, it is vital that we give ourselves to practice and determination, in order to keep ourselves properly balanced.
As faithful Christians (based on God’s view of “faithfulness”), we must maintain a proper balance between:
· Work and recreation/play (2 Thess. 3:10).
· Work and worship (Matt. 4:4; Acts 2:42).
· Work and Christian fellowship (Acts 2:46-47).
· Work and personal time with God’s Word (Psa. 119:97).
· Work and family (1 Tim. 5:8; Eph. 5:22-6:4).
· Recreation/play and worship (John 4:24; Psa. 122:1).
· Recreation/play and Christian fellowship (Jas. 1:27; 5:16).
· Recreation/play and personal time with God (Jas. 4:7-10).
· Recreation/play and family (Deut. 6:4-9; Phil. 2:3-4).
The list could go on and on. That’s why practice and determination are so critical. Too often we get set in a certain pattern of daily living and we lose sight of those things that are of actual (and eternal) value.
Regardless of how much we may have rationalized our behavior, Jesus still tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
Regardless of how important other things, responsibilities, people or plans have become in our lives, the Lord still tells us, “He is the head of the body, the church…that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18).
Regardless of how busy we allow (or intentionally plan) our schedules to become, Scripture still tells us, “…Be… always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
Proper balance requires proper priorities! Best of all, as faithful Christians, when we are walking this narrow balance beam of life, we have the Lord holding our hand to help us!