ARE YOU WELL-BALANCED IN YOUR LIFE?

We all need to be well-balanced, as Jesus was. He is our perfect example. Read on.

Eternal Perspectives  

by Sally Bair

Balance

Twice a week my friends and I spend forty minutes exercising together. This routine helps me balance my body better so I’m not as likely to fall. I need balance in other areas of life, too. If I were to spend all my time trying to maintain my physical balance—and health—I would neglect my mental, emotional and spiritual life. Too much emphasis and time spent on one upsets the rhythm of life.

Jesus was a perfect example of a well-balanced life. “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom …” (Luke 2:40) The Gospels show us how well-rounded a life He led. As a boy growing up with a carpenter for father, He likely worked hard in the shop. While ministering during His later life, He walked a lot, spent time on fishing boats and climbed some of the surrounding mountains. He was a social Man, too, spending time with His closest friends, the twelve disciples, and visiting the homes of others. He attended weddings.

Jesus’ wisdom exceeded that of all others, of course, since He was God’s Son. He shared it with countless people during His numerous teachings. And we can all follow His example of spirituality. He spent time alone with His Father, just as we should. Through such time, He was strengthened and empowered to follow God’s perfect will, just as we can. He lived a well-rounded life, just as we can.

When our spiritual and moral standards are off-balance, our whole body can be affected. For instance, too much meekness can result in too little assertiveness. Too much time spent alone can cause us to avoid others or become socially inept. Too much effort put forth by ourselves can keep us from trusting in and depending on God. Loving ourselves without much thought of loving our neighbor can cause pride. We may choose to be passive in order to avoid being aggressive.

We could go on and on about the dangers of living an unbalanced life. But if we keep in balance, we can avoid those dangers. We can follow Jesus’ example of being well-balanced in all areas of our lives.

“… Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7) Herein lies a perfect balance of life.

Lord, thank You for Your example. Correct our lopsidedness so we can be balanced in all ways, fit representatives of Your love and salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.