Balance: Emotional stability; the act of weighing factors, quantities, etc, against each other; to assess or compare the relative weight and/or importance.

Brent has often said that he was going to write a book one day about living a balanced life. Although some may refer to it as “all things in moderation” (btw, this IS NOT a bible verse), I don’t see it as the same thing. I am not commanded to be moderate in all things. In fact, I’m supposed to be radical in some things! I shouldn’t pray in moderation. I shouldn’t give in moderation. I shouldn’t love in moderation. OK, you get the picture.

So, back to balance. Balance is this: truth/grace, love/justice, relationship/rules, boundaries/freedoms.
As Christ followers, I think we would be much more effective in reaching people and building relationships with people who don’t yet know Christ if we were more balanced about life…. as spouses, parents, friends, church members, team members, small group leaders. Sometimes Brent will ask a rhetorical question from the pulpit using the connecting word “or”. And then he gives us the answer: YES.
How can YES be the answer to an either/or question?! With God, it can be.
It’s balance. Our Christian walk should cause others to pause while observing us and wonder. Sometimes Christians can make mountains out of molehills. Sometimes it takes an extreme movement to one side from the other to help us realize that all along we needed to land between the two.

Too often, the Church of Jesus is known for what we are against. And it’s true as followers of Jesus there are some things to be against. But if we stand against abortion, let’s be sure we are serving single moms and orphans. If we stand against things being taught/accepted in public schools, let’s make sure we are serving and supporting the teachers who faithfully work with children for very little pay.
If we are going to be extreme, let it be in love and mercy, as well as holiness.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.