Keeping Balance
The Olympics includes gymnasts on the balance beam only a few inches wide. Athletes must do a backwards flip and land with both feet simultaneously. No wobble. No bounce. No miss—ouch!
Frankly, I do not like watching the balance beam. It ties my stomach in knots -- makes me nervous. Lack of faith in the athletes is not the problem as much as the frightful thought of my dying on that balance beam…landing head first—not feet, and a few other things of which my imagination serves dreadful possibilities.
Keeping balance of my mind in a world fraught with political, social, economic, and spiritual complications is a challenge. Every day seems to require a backwards flip, or some other acrobatic move of that daring gravity.
Further complicating the sum of the inevitable is the spin of media. Reporters rush from one scene to another, vying for prime time news spots, seeking their own promotion, which of course means they will be paid more. Esoteric news is reported with emotional twists. Honesty and best interest of the public is a minimal concern. For example, some reporters in New Orleans reported on the FIFTH day after the disaster that it had been a “week”, with the federal government having failed miserably.
Reporters hyped the story of New Orleans disaster generally disregarding other areas of disaster. For example, about 200 homes were destroyed in a buffer zone of Mobile, Alabama.
Then came news of the death of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Media is off on a new trail, but media is now torn about which story to promote for the greater ratings of viewers.
Balance, My Friend, balance! However you perceive what is happening, it is not a surprise. Bible prophecy is clear that earthquakes, pestilence, etc., will increase in the last days (Matthew 24; II Timothy 3). This is not good news, but fact. The Good News is that God is on His throne, and Jesus still saves!
Keep in mind that this is the first time in history that news media have been able to witness the natural destruction of a major modern city. This is also the first natural disaster of these proportions in U.S. history. This is also the first time in history that other nations have made such generous offers to help the United States.
We will learn in time that the government of man cannot save us from every disaster. God is our hope and salvation. Remember that God punished King David for thinking his strength was in the size of his army. Considering that God is firmly on his throne and God’s plan is on schedule more accurate than atomic time, we are to “hold fast” to that which is good in times of trouble (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Faithfulness requires honesty, truthfulness, a servant heart, and due reverence for the Eternal God. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts keeps us from evil and teaches us to observe the things that pertain to eternal life.
In keeping balance remember to honor God in tithes and offerings. Keep the promises you have made to the Lord. Do not allow emotional tugs of war in the heart that shifts loyalties and commitments resolved in prayer. Find ways to be more generous, remembering the Lord loves “a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Give up a meal, clothes, furniture, car, etc., and donate proceeds to a needy cause or mission. Lend a helping hand. Be thoughtful to assist others in time of their need.
Keeping balance is easier when you reverence times of worship with other believers. Prefer above all else times in the presence of the Lord. Time in prayer, worship and fellowship are absolutely essential to keeping spiritual, mental, social and financial balance.
After all life’s tumbles God gives the best scores when you land solidly on your feet, faith intact with Jesus first in your heart. No wobbling around, but balanced!
In Him,
Pastor Bare
2 Timothy 1:12