A Balanced Faith
Previously, I wrote about a spiritual lesson I learned from a balance exercise: that keeping our eyes fixed upon the Lord instead of looking around at the distractions and diversions of life keeps us balanced in our faith walk. Over the past weeks, I have continued to improve my balancing ability with a variety of physical exercises, and I discovered another helpful technique that I want to share. I found that if I am balancing on one foot and I start to totter, my foot tenses up as it tries to grip the floor, but this doesn’t help me. It throws me off balance even more.
However, if I consciously work against that reflex and spread my foot out flat, it becomes more stable as it comes in contact with the greatest surface area possible. Then I am able to quickly steady myself and regain my balance. This discovery follows a basic law of physics that explains why it is impossible to balance a pencil on its point (very limited surface contact) vs. a coffee cup (much greater surface contact). But what does this have to do with our life of faith?
My physical balancing act was made possible when my foot was in contact with the greatest amount of surface area possible. The same principle applies to our spiritual balance. Scripture calls Jesus our firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11; Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20-22). By definition, a foundation is the load-bearing part of a building. It’s what the building rests upon and is built up from. With Christ as our foundation, if we maintain contact with Him across the greatest “surface area” of our life, we can build a life that is steady and well-balanced. Think of the parable about the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-27).
In our daily life with Jesus, we need to remember the importance of surface contact. The more surface area of our life that is resting upon the Lord, the more stable it will be. Each area of our life – our work, our play, our relationships, our needs, our desires, our fears, etc. – must be connected to Jesus to be balanced by Him. To live healthy, whole, steady lives, we need the nature of God – His truth, justice, love, peace, kindness, goodness, wisdom, holiness, etc. – touching every area of our life.
If we hold back in some area or choose to build upon another foundation such as fame, prosperity, independence, or even our fears, we will miss out on the strength and stability that can only be found in God. In truth, we need Who He is to fulfill who we are. Without His Presence undergirding and establishing us in every way, we will eventually slip off balance and possibly topple over.
I encourage you, Dear One, to prayerfully consider the balance of your life. Is Jesus your firm foundation? Is He the solid rock that upholds you in every way? Is any part of your life built upon some other motivation, purpose, or person? Or is any area of your life shaky because it is lacking the stability of the one sure foundation? What can you change to improve your balance?
A Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, You are the only sure foundation that will keep my life in balance and strength. I confess to You any areas of my life that have not been built with faith upon You. (Take a moment to bring these before the Lord in confession.)
Please forgive me and help me to bring these parts of my life into alignment with Your truth and holiness. I believe that You want every part of my life to experience Your blessing so that I can live in wholeness and peace. Therefore, I choose to build my whole life upon You as my only true foundation.
Thank You for Your great love for me and for making a way for me to live in the security of Your mercy and grace.
In Your Name, Amen.
The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high …
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:5-6 NIV
