27. Balance

Key Bible Verse:  Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.   (Proverbs 16:11 NIV)

  

In 813 A.D., the impenetrable Baghdad (“City of Peace”) was under attack. A messenger was sent to its ruler, Caliph al-Amin, looking for direction. Unfortunately the ruler was engrossed in a chess game. The Caliph said to the messenger, “patience my friend.” Although he was standing just a few feet away it was as if they were a world apart. He sent the messenger out of the room. Well, that was his last game because the city was overtaken and al-Amin was beheaded. (Shenk, David (2006) The immortal game. New York: Doubleday. p. 3)



White's move. Can you find checkmate?

You have probably heard the phrase, a strength pushed to its extreme can become a weakness. In like manner, an obsession can take us out of balance. Our Christian walk can be like that. It can happen when we obsess on one aspect of life to the point of forfeiting all others. I had a friend in college who came to a point in his life that all he could think of was street evangelism. You may think this might sound like a good thing until you realize it was at the expense of all other aspects of his life. Eventually he flunked out of school. Balance is the key. Search out and receive not just some, but, all that God has in store for you.

My response: Lord, help me keep a balance in my life so my discipleship process will be complete and an example to others.

Thought to Apply: All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give; I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live. (Judson Van de Venter)