5 Things That Are Impossible to Balance

In the previous article, we looked at 5 things that need balance in our lives (Link: Click here). However, as Christians, if we are to please the Lord, we need to realize that some things simply cannot be balanced.

5 Things That We Cannot Balance

1. Our Conviction Towards God

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21).

The prophet Elijah confronted the Israelites because they were half-hearted in their conviction towards God. Although they were supposed to follow God, they were tempted to follow Baal too. They could not decide whether they wanted to follow God or Baal. In this regard, there could be no sitting on the fence. Elijah challenges them to make a choice.

Likewise, we all must make the decision whether we want to have faith in God or not. When the Ethiopian eunuch asked what was preventing him from being baptized, Philip replied: “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest” (Acts 8:36-37). In order to be saved, we need to believe, not half-heartedly, but with all our heart. Although we cannot see God, we can have faith because of the evidence of His existence all around us (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 1:20). Have you considered the evidence? Will you put your faith and trust in God?

2. Our Service to God

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24)

If we have faith in God, then we need to serve Him as our Master. Servants are expected to do whatever the Master commands them (Luke 17:7-10). Hence, if we acknowledge Jesus as our Master, then we ought to do whatever He commands us (Luke 6:46). Everything we do in life ought to be for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve God and money at the same time (Matthew 6:24). Unfortunately, many Christians think that they can do both. On one hand, all our physical wealth are blessings from God (James 1:17). On the other hand, it is so easy to fall into the trap where we love money, and we prioritize the pursuit of money over God. Who has control over your life: God or money? When money comes calling, will you resist and subject yourself to God’s call instead?

3. Our Purity Towards God

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22)

God has called us to be holy, just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). To be holy means to be pure and morally blameless. As the temple of God, the church (and every Christian) must be holy, and not allow ourselves to be defiled with sin (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Matthew 15:18-20). God has made us free from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:22). Hence, we must not return to sin, but rather, flee from sin and keep ourselves pure and holy before God (2 Timothy 2:22).

Unfortunately, some Christians try to serve God and sin at the same time. God, through the prophet Isaiah, proclaimed that the sacrifices of the Israelites were not delightful to Him, because their lives were full of sin (Isaiah 1:10-16). Our worship to God will be hindered if we have defiled ourselves with sin (1 Peter 3:12). Will you flee from sin and serve God today? Will you keep yourself pure?

4. Our Zeal Towards God

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16)

God desires His people to be zealous. The word “zeal” refers to “excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit.” A zealous person is excited, fervent and passionate. We ought to be zealous to do good works (Titus 2:14). We ought to be zealous in ministering to the saints (2 Corinthians 9:1-2). We ought to be zealous to repent from sin (2 Corinthians 7:10-11).

However, some Christians have lost their zeal. The church at Laodicea was rebuked for being “lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot” (Revelation 3:15-16). They appeared to be stuck in their comfort zone, satisfied with their physical wealth, and not realizing their spiritual poverty (Revelation 3:17-19). Have you fallen into same trap? Are you stuck in your comfort zone? Will you ignite your zeal and passion for the Lord?

5. Our Fellowship With God

“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils” (1 Corinthians 10:21)

The word “fellowship” refers to “joint participation.” When we became Christians, we joined into fellowship with God and our fellow Christians (1 John 1:3). We have fellowship together because of the gospel (Philippians 1:5). We have fellowship together in our evangelistic efforts (Galatians 2:9). We have fellowship together in our benevolent efforts (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). We have fellowship together when we worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper together (1 Corinthians 10:16). In all these things, God is with us, and He is working together with us! (1 Corinthians 3:9).

As Christians, we cannot avoid contact with people of the world (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). In fact, we must reach out to the lost in the world for their salvation (Luke 19:10). However, we must refrain from having fellowship with the world, especially in their idolatrous and sinful activities. We cannot, and must not, have fellowship with God and devils at the same time (1 Corinthians 10:20-22). Light cannot fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). Are you having mixed fellowship between light and darkness?

How Can We Ensure We Are Balanced Where It Matters?

1. Priorities

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33)

Do we prioritize God in our life? If we claim that God is our priority in life, do we put Him first? If God’s work clashes with your worldly commitments, what do you do?

2. Timing

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

In order to get our balance right, we need to recognize the right time for everything. When it is time to work, we work. When it is time for family, we spend time with family. When it is time for God, do you make time for God?

3. Contentment

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6)

Perhaps a reason why we get our balance wrong is due to us being discontented. It is easy to get trapped in the endless pursuit for material wealth. In the chase for more, we often leave God behind. Instead of being covetous, will you be contented?

Concluding Thoughts

In many ways, we are striving to achieve balance in our life. However, in our service to God, we ought not be distracted or half-hearted. Instead, let us be single-minded and wholehearted in following God all the days of our life. Let us choose God.