The Balanced Christian The Balanced Christian LifeLife

8/26/20098/26/2009

What is Balance?What is Balance?

A state of equilibrium or parity A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces forces by equal opposing forces Equilibrium is a state of balance or Equilibrium is a state of balance or

adjustment of conflicting desires, adjustment of conflicting desires, interests interests

HOT COLD

WARM

ChristiansChristians

We are born into righteousness by We are born into righteousness by accepting the price of the shed blood accepting the price of the shed blood of Jesus as the payment for our sinsof Jesus as the payment for our sins

We begin our journey as a new We begin our journey as a new creature, old things are passed away creature, old things are passed away and all things have become newand all things have become new Has all things really become new?Has all things really become new? What has changed about us to make us What has changed about us to make us

a new person or a new creature?a new person or a new creature?

The changeThe change The answer to this question provides the The answer to this question provides the

basis for our Christian imbalancebasis for our Christian imbalance The expectation Christians have is we are no The expectation Christians have is we are no

longer the way we used to belonger the way we used to be We are no longer the same person we used to We are no longer the same person we used to

bebe Do we still look the same?Do we still look the same?

Some say we don’t, but in fact we do. The Some say we don’t, but in fact we do. The difference may be in how we carry ourselves or difference may be in how we carry ourselves or how we present ourselves to othershow we present ourselves to others

Our facial features are the sameOur facial features are the same Do we still have the same personality?Do we still have the same personality?

Some would say no, but in fact we doSome would say no, but in fact we do If you were outgoing as a sinner, you are still If you were outgoing as a sinner, you are still

outgoing as a saintoutgoing as a saint

Balance in the BibleBalance in the Bible

Philippians 4:12Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to I know both how to be abased, and I know how to

abound: every where and in all things I am abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. to abound and to suffer need.

Proverbs 30:8-9Proverbs 30:8-9 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me

neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:   9 Lest I be full, and deny convenient for me:   9 Lest I be full, and deny thee,thee, and say, Who and say, Who isis the L the LORDORD? or lest I be ? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in in vain.vain.

Why is balance so hard?Why is balance so hard?

It is easy to lose focusIt is easy to lose focus Trying to live up to others Trying to live up to others

expectationsexpectations Misinformation and misinterpretationMisinformation and misinterpretation Unwilling to changeUnwilling to change

7 Dimensions of Balance7 Dimensions of Balance

PhysicalPhysical

Our physical state affects our mental stateOur physical state affects our mental state Although the Bible says bodily exercise profits Although the Bible says bodily exercise profits

little, it does not say it is unprofitablelittle, it does not say it is unprofitable We must take care of our bodiesWe must take care of our bodies This means we must watch what we eat and This means we must watch what we eat and

how much we eathow much we eat Leading cause of premature death in African Leading cause of premature death in African

Americans is hypertensionAmericans is hypertension Percent of men 20 years and over with hypertension: Percent of men 20 years and over with hypertension:

39%39%(2003-2006) (2003-2006) Centers for Disease ControlCenters for Disease Control

Percent of women 20 years and over with Percent of women 20 years and over with hypertension: 43% hypertension: 43% (2003-2006) (2003-2006) Centers for Disease ControlCenters for Disease Control

PhysicalPhysical

We must take control over what we eatWe must take control over what we eat Healthy food can taste goodHealthy food can taste good Eating in moderation is necessaryEating in moderation is necessary

We should eat to live rather than live to eatWe should eat to live rather than live to eat Doing so can keep us out of the prayer lineDoing so can keep us out of the prayer line

It is important to exerciseIt is important to exercise WalkWalk Play sportsPlay sports Do somethingDo something

When the spirit hits you and you dance all When the spirit hits you and you dance all over the floor – how do you feel afterwards?over the floor – how do you feel afterwards?

PhysicalPhysical

We must take note of how we lookWe must take note of how we look Although the native look was in vogue in Although the native look was in vogue in

the seventies, it isn’t todaythe seventies, it isn’t today There’s nothing wrong with getting a permThere’s nothing wrong with getting a perm

Ladies should be free to fix themselves upLadies should be free to fix themselves up Dab on a little make-upDab on a little make-up Put on a piece of jewelry or twoPut on a piece of jewelry or two The same thing you did to attract your husband The same thing you did to attract your husband

is the same thing you need to do nowis the same thing you need to do now Just because you are saved it doesn’t mean he doesn’t Just because you are saved it doesn’t mean he doesn’t

want to look at you in that special waywant to look at you in that special way Do it all in moderation (Be temperate in all things – I Do it all in moderation (Be temperate in all things – I

Cor 9:25)Cor 9:25)

MentalMental

Let this mind be in you which was also in Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus – Philippians 2:5Christ Jesus – Philippians 2:5

Our minds must be transformedOur minds must be transformed Our thoughts must line up ChristOur thoughts must line up Christ Our ideas must line up with the WordOur ideas must line up with the Word

Attitudes are outward indications of inward Attitudes are outward indications of inward thoughtsthoughts If we are Christians then we must think like If we are Christians then we must think like

ChristiansChristians If we think like Christians then we will act like If we think like Christians then we will act like

ChristiansChristians

MentalMental

Sometimes things go wrong with our Sometimes things go wrong with our thoughtsthoughts When they do, we need to seek helpWhen they do, we need to seek help It is okay for Christians to seek counselIt is okay for Christians to seek counsel

Professional Counsel includedProfessional Counsel included God wants us to have a healthy mindGod wants us to have a healthy mind

If our mind is sick, it needs healingIf our mind is sick, it needs healing Mental illness is not demonic possession!Mental illness is not demonic possession!

Most people just need a tune upMost people just need a tune up Pastoral counselPastoral counsel

SocialSocial

Men/Women are social beingsMen/Women are social beings We like being around other people We like being around other people

(most of the time)(most of the time) Church is a societyChurch is a society

A group of baptized believers in ChristA group of baptized believers in Christ We need to socialize in some fashionWe need to socialize in some fashion

Activities, sports, games, hobbies, etc.Activities, sports, games, hobbies, etc. Interacting with people with common Interacting with people with common

interests is healthyinterests is healthy

SocialSocial

Examples of social behaviorExamples of social behavior Dinner partiesDinner parties Book clubsBook clubs Knitting clubsKnitting clubs Bike clubsBike clubs Social club membershipSocial club membership

Kiwanis, Rotary, etcKiwanis, Rotary, etc Going out on the town with another coupleGoing out on the town with another couple

Dinner and a movieDinner and a movie BowlingBowling Putt PuttPutt Putt

SocialSocial

Indulging in such surroundings could Indulging in such surroundings could meet a void that if left unfulfilled meet a void that if left unfulfilled could lead to unhealthy behaviorscould lead to unhealthy behaviors

If we want friends we need to If we want friends we need to demonstrate friendly behavior – demonstrate friendly behavior – Proverbs 18:24Proverbs 18:24 No holier than thou mentalityNo holier than thou mentality

WorkWork

Our goal should be to do a good jobOur goal should be to do a good job 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are youryour masters according masters according

to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;   6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as as unto Christ;   6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;   7 the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;   7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Our focus is to perform our work to the best Our focus is to perform our work to the best of our abilityof our ability Veto MediocrityVeto Mediocrity

Respect our bossesRespect our bosses Good or badGood or bad

Be genuine in our performanceBe genuine in our performance

WorkWork

We do so not expecting anything more We do so not expecting anything more than what was promised when we were than what was promised when we were hiredhired Raises are a bonus not a guaranteeRaises are a bonus not a guarantee Matthew 20:1-16Matthew 20:1-16

Others promoted ahead of youOthers promoted ahead of you Continue doing a good jobContinue doing a good job Continue showing respect to your bossContinue showing respect to your boss

Don’t be defined by your workDon’t be defined by your work Work is a means to an endWork is a means to an end

FinancialFinancial

We could spend all night talking about this We could spend all night talking about this portion of our livesportion of our lives

We need to be good stewards of the We need to be good stewards of the resources God entrusts unto usresources God entrusts unto us

We must learn to live within our means We must learn to live within our means and not beyond our meansand not beyond our means

We must learn to give to God and to We must learn to give to God and to othersothers TithesTithes OfferingsOfferings

Malachi 3:8-12Malachi 3:8-12

FinancialFinancial

Debt is an enemy to good financial Debt is an enemy to good financial stewardshipstewardship Examples of bad debtExamples of bad debt

Credit cardsCredit cards FurnitureFurniture ComputersComputers Small equipment – riding lawnmowers, etc.Small equipment – riding lawnmowers, etc. JewelryJewelry ClothingClothing

Examples of good debtExamples of good debt HomeHome Maybe a carMaybe a car

Shouldn’t buy home or car you can not affordShouldn’t buy home or car you can not afford

FinancialFinancial If we have money and don’t give, then we If we have money and don’t give, then we

are out of balanceare out of balance If we say we can not afford to pay our If we say we can not afford to pay our

tithes then we are out of balancetithes then we are out of balance Saints should not seek to be rich but we Saints should not seek to be rich but we

should manage our finances so that we should manage our finances so that we are able to pay our bills and help othersare able to pay our bills and help others

Saints should rarely spend time in the Saints should rarely spend time in the prayer line over financesprayer line over finances If we have been faithful in fulfilling our If we have been faithful in fulfilling our

obligation then God will uphold his part of the obligation then God will uphold his part of the bargainbargain

FamilyFamily

Ephesians 5:22-33 governs the Ephesians 5:22-33 governs the relationship between husbands and relationship between husbands and wiveswives Husbands must love their wives as Christ Husbands must love their wives as Christ

loved the churchloved the church They must demonstrate a sense of They must demonstrate a sense of

security and safety to their wives that will security and safety to their wives that will free her to give her full self to himfree her to give her full self to him

Wives in turn must submit themselves to Wives in turn must submit themselves to their husbands and obey themtheir husbands and obey them

They must do this as unto the LordThey must do this as unto the Lord

FamilyFamily

Popular culture has created an imbalancePopular culture has created an imbalance Wives are ruling the home because the Wives are ruling the home because the

husband is either absent or too weak to rule his husband is either absent or too weak to rule his own householdown household

Wives are not willing to submit to the husband’s Wives are not willing to submit to the husband’s leadership thereby creating conflict and turmoilleadership thereby creating conflict and turmoil

Husbands are not willing to submit themselves Husbands are not willing to submit themselves to their wives and receive counsel and an to their wives and receive counsel and an alternative viewpointalternative viewpoint

Husbands are not acting as the priest of their Husbands are not acting as the priest of their homes and leaving it to the wives to do sohomes and leaving it to the wives to do so

FamilyFamily Ephesians 6:1-4 governs how parents and Ephesians 6:1-4 governs how parents and

children should interactchildren should interact Fathers should not provoke their children to anger Fathers should not provoke their children to anger Children should honor their parents based on the Children should honor their parents based on the

commandment of Godcommandment of God The popular notion today is husbands and The popular notion today is husbands and

wives can attend separate churcheswives can attend separate churches This creates division and is not God’s wayThis creates division and is not God’s way

Another popular notion is to separate the Another popular notion is to separate the finances finances Again this can create division and conflictAgain this can create division and conflict

Our goal is to be one family with the same Our goal is to be one family with the same goals goals

SpiritualSpiritual

I have already touched on this but I will I have already touched on this but I will mention a couple of other thingsmention a couple of other things As we separate ourselves unto Christ, we As we separate ourselves unto Christ, we

must know that we belong to him 100%must know that we belong to him 100% However, God does not expect us to pray However, God does not expect us to pray

100% of the time100% of the time We must have a prayerful heart and We must have a prayerful heart and

prayerful spirit, but the practice can not be prayerful spirit, but the practice can not be to pray all the time (Men must always to pray all the time (Men must always pray……)pray……)

SpiritualSpiritual

Our challenge is to be like God Our challenge is to be like God without distancing others from uswithout distancing others from us We can be saved and still have We can be saved and still have

acquaintances that are not savedacquaintances that are not saved We can be saved but still show kindness We can be saved but still show kindness

and love to those who are not savedand love to those who are not saved Christ asked us to go into all the Christ asked us to go into all the

world and preachworld and preach If we have not lived a life worthy of If we have not lived a life worthy of

being heard, then we will not be heardbeing heard, then we will not be heard

SpiritualSpiritual

Our most effective witness is the life we liveOur most effective witness is the life we live When we demonstrate to the unsaved that When we demonstrate to the unsaved that

we have proper balance in all phases of our we have proper balance in all phases of our lives then they are more proned to hear uslives then they are more proned to hear us

Some key things to remember:Some key things to remember: Spend time with GodSpend time with God Read and study the BibleRead and study the Bible Attend Church services, including Bible studyAttend Church services, including Bible study

Have a teachable spiritHave a teachable spirit Learn the word of GodLearn the word of God

ConclusionConclusion The balanced Christian life is not one The balanced Christian life is not one

dimensional, it is multi-dimensionaldimensional, it is multi-dimensional The balanced Christian life is not a The balanced Christian life is not a

destination we reach, it is a journeydestination we reach, it is a journey The balanced Christian life takes time and The balanced Christian life takes time and

dedicationdedication If we are too hot – we will soon burn outIf we are too hot – we will soon burn out If we are too cold we will distance ourselves If we are too cold we will distance ourselves

from Godfrom God We must learn to be temperate in all We must learn to be temperate in all

things so the power of God can rule in us things so the power of God can rule in us to make us fit for the Master’s useto make us fit for the Master’s use