Balancing Act

by Kendal Haug

bal·ance n. A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.

Balance is a sought after quality in many areas of our culture. Athletes are praised for having good balance. If we want to eat healthy, we are instructed to maintain a well-balanced diet. And people proudly describe themselves as having a balanced appreciation of music (only if we were all so lucky). This idea of balance even invades the spiritual life, in that it is hailed as a good thing to have a well-balanced walk with Christ.

There are a number of things that we must keep in balance: ministry, school, work, family, personal devotion, exercise, and so on. While the intent behind this thought and teaching is noble, in application it leads to an unbiblical and compartmentalized life that will only see you fail in your weak attempts.
When we strive for balance, we naturally section off the many parts of our life and address them individually. I find myself (and I suspect many of you do as well) constantly bringing this request to God, "Help me manage my time wisely. My quiet times have been suffering from a busy schedule, and I struggle in balancing ministry with school and work." This seems like an honest prayer in seeking Christ-likeness, and time management is certainly a needed discipline. However, watch out, this thought leads to less than total submission to God's will.

"Quiet times" become a substitution to true intimacy with Christ. In contrast, Paul commands us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Ministry has become something that we do as a separate part of our life from all the other "stuff." We must become transformed by Christ's love and power, living a life that testifies to this love and ministers to a world that is hopeless without it.

I for one reject the "balanced" life. I want to be passionately in love with my Savior (completely covered by His grace). I want Him to penetrate every area of my carefully planned out life. I reject the safe compartments I have created; the Gospel demands it!

Comments

[Matt Larsen]

I agree ... mostly.

The one thing that I do not want to be balanced about is Kendal Haug. I can just never get enough!