Spiritual Balance
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"To every thing there is a season, and a
time to every purpose under the heaven" (Eccl. 3: 1). What this points up
is the wisdom of proper balance in all things. We see balance in nature. If the
rabbit population gets out of hand, the foxes will take care of it. When they
kill too many rabbits, the foxes decrease. The earth is perfectly balanced, so
much so that we can calculate eclipses and such like years in advance. But we
also need "spiritual balance" in all things.
First, there is a need for doctrinal balance.
This means giving the proper emphasis to all truths. The hobbyist is blind to
all but his "pet themes," and puts undue stress on some particular doctrine
that he has decided that he alone has the truth concerning. Some are carried
away with "new doctrines," when they should be steadfastly contending for the
"old paths." Such people fall for everything and stand for nothing.
Next, there should be balance between zeal and
knowledge. That ardent fervor may be a misdirected zeal. The
inquisition demonstrates the harm done when fanatics get out of spiritual
balance. The Pharisees are excellent examples of it. Churches may fall prey to
this unbalanced situation, having the truth, but no zeal.
Third, our preaching needs to be balanced with our
practice. Sound doctrine should produce sound living or we are out of
balance. Sometimes we may be as the Pharisees, and "say and do not" (Matt.
23:3). If we preach "pure religion" then we need to be practicing it. The man we
commonly call the "Good Samaritan" is an excellent example of a balanced life.
He put the good principles of his life into practice while the priest and Levite
(who knew all about the preaching) did nothing.
Finally, there is the need for balance between emotion
and logic. There is a place for both of them in the life of the
Christian. These may affect entire congregations. One might rely on emotion so
much that they get "carried away" with all sorts of unscriptural things, because
it makes us "feel good." On the other hand a person or congregation may make a
specialty of cold, heartless, ritualistic logic. Peter's sermon on the day of
Pentecost is an example of proper balance between emotion and logic. His logic
was seen in his reasoning from the scriptures. The emotion is demonstrated by
his hearers being "cut to the heart." There must be balance in these areas in
persuading people to obey the gospel. The heart may not be converted if the
teacher is overly emotional, and scaring people into obedience is not the way.
Let us learn to get our spiritual things in balance - whatever they may be. We
will then be more effective workers for God, and you will then really know what
Christianity is all about! –
By Bill Moseley
From Expository Files 12.6; June 2005
