God calls every Christian to live a "balanced" life for Him. The problem comes when we get out of balance with God's Word, the Bible.
The Bible says that the way of the transgressor is hard (Prov. 13:15), but the Christian's yoke is easy, and their burdens are light (Mt. 11:30). God promises not to put more on us than we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13).
We have all heard the story of the man who asked God to trade crosses with someone else in life, because his was too big and heavy. God showed him a room full of crosses with nametags of all living Christians on them, and told him to choose any of them...
He immediately ran to the smallest, lightest cross and claimed it as his own. God then told him to turn the nametag over to see who's cross he would be trading with, and lo and behold it was HIS OWN! He had been carrying the smallest and lightest cross the whole time!
No matter how hard you have it in life, there is usually someone else who has it worse - so count your blessings.
God likens the road to heaven as a balance beam:
Mt. 7:13. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Rev. 22:18, 19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
The road to heaven is "straight" and "narrow," and is like a balance beam. If we waiver too far right or left we will fall into the dangers of "adding to" or "taking away from" (subtracting) God's Word, and could lose our souls forever! He said if we add - He will add to our plagues, and if we take away, He will take away our names from the Book of Life!
However, On a balance beam, if we stumble backwards or forwards, we can get back up and press on, and learn from our mistakes. Ps. 37:23,24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24. "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."
Also, we are told to help one another with our burdens as we travel this balance beam road to heaven, and if we see a brother stumble, or "overtaken with a fault", we are to help "restore" him. Help him get his balance again and be able to move on. We are not to glory in his fall, saying, "I told you so!" Don't point a finger, lend a hand!
This is a dog-eat-dog world and many people use other's misfortune as their own gain. They will actually push the fallen comrade down further by grabbing him to get a better footing himself (gasp). I've seen it happen, sadly too often, and don't want to be guilty of it myself. We are to prefer one another and exhort one another daily (Heb. 3:13) - not put each other down - we get enough of that from the world.
Revelation tells us the two soul-risking dangers are to add or take away from the Bible. So, we picture the balance beam, with those who add to the Word of God below us, on one side, and those who take away from the Word of God on the other side. Both extremes are traveling the "broad road that leads to destruction" (hell), and many there be that travel it.
The Balanced Christian's job is to keep from leaning too far right or left, and getting off balance. We are told to be moderate (the quality of being moderate; restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance) in all things (Phil. 4:5). We are to avoid extremism, and do all things in moderation and balance, unless the Bible otherwise teaches or strictly forbids - such as fornication, adultery, drunkenness, murder, etc...
The debatable issues are, "How much eating is gluttony? How much jewelry and makeup is too much? How many hours a week should we attend church? How much should we pray? How much should we exercise physically? How much should we give to God financially? How far should we separate from the world? Where do you draw a line with television and Internet? Etc...
On these issues, we should use the rule of moderation and balance. Do not go to extreme one way or the other, lest you fall into legalism (too strict - adds to Bible) or liberalism (too worldly - takes away from Bible). Only God knows when someone has leaned too far, and cuts them off, or blots their name from the Book of Life - Rev. 3:5 "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
For instance, the Bible does not say "Thou shalt not watch television," but it does say, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." Ps. 101:3. Therefore, we must conclude that if we do watch television, browse the Internet, read a book, or look at magazines - we are to be sure not to watch or look at wickedness. The godly balanced Christian would not look at nudity, pornography, adultery, non-stop violence, or any immorality.
Instead, censor your viewing and let your eyes be on the righteous of the land. We are told to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8). Does the movie, story or site promote justice and have a good moral? These are rules with which to judge any movie, book, site or magazine.
God tells us not to adorn ourselves with gold, pearls and expensive clothing, but let it be the inward beauty of the heart that shows through (1 Tim. 2:9). From this same verse, we have two extremes - the ultra-conservatives (holier-than-thou's) who say it means absolutely no makeup or jewelry or anything that would draw attention to you, and the loose-liberals who say God only looks on the heart so this verse is not applicable to today.
Both are incorrect, and lead to an unbalanced Christian outlook. Both are in the majority and if you try to take a balanced view on the subject, you will be in the unpopular minority. The good news is that you will be on the straight and narrow, sparsely traveled road to Heaven.
Another example is when people say we are not to judge. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we are told to "judge all things," (1 Cor. 2:15) but we are to use spiritual (not carnal) judgment, and we can not judge motives - only God can do that.
The verse that says that God looks on the heart, (1 Sam. 16:7) was when Samuel was looking for a new king, and God told him not to choose one according to his height, good looks, etc..., because what he was inside was what would really count. His character, his motives, his convictions, etc... can only be seen by God. Thus God chose little, nobody David for Samuel to anoint to be the next king. David would later prove that he was a brave man and leader, by killing the giant that was defying the name of God and striking fear into Israel's whole army.
The balanced Christian knows that the same God who said He looks on the heart, also gives us rules of how to dress and conduct ourselves on the outside. So, this obviously means that because man sees the outside only, God, Who can see inside and out, wants us to dress and act in a manner that will honor Him, and prevent us from being a stumbling block to others. Modesty in dress helps prevent others from lusting, and immodesty contributes to the sin.
Not only does God want us to dress modestly, but also wants a noticeable distinction in dress between men and women (Deut. 22:5) This helps to prevent the cross-over problems we are seeing today with homosexuality, metro, etc...
We have extremes on this verse also, from those that the whole family wears pants and tops with no difference in design, etc... and then wonder why their child turns out to be "gay," to those who make women wear black, or plain ugly dresses all the way to their ankles, and sleeves to the wrists.
We draw the line somewhere around the healthy balance of keeping from the shoulders to the knees covered - since that is the area that naturally causes lust and is referred to "nakedness" in the Bible. Ex. 28:42. "And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach" The thigh is the part of the lower limb in humans between the hip and the knee.and the loins are the parts of the body between the hips and the lower ribs, including the private areas. (Is. 47:3)
Since no one lusts after arms, it is safe to say that it does not matter how long your sleeves are, but should not show any part of a woman's bust or midriff, as these are definitely enticing to the opposite sex.
Of course, there are those with professions of athlete, gymnist, bodybuilder, swimmer, model, etc... that must wear less. or practical clothing for their jobs. This is for them to work out their own convictions. But nudity is never excused. God says it is a shame to show your nakedness/nudity (private parts).
A woman should look attractive and yet not "sexy" - causing others to desire sex with her. There is a big difference and most people know when the line is crossed. A woman that is pretty and conducts herself like a lady, causes men to act like gentlemen and open the door, etc for her. It instantly demands a respect that is missing from the "sexy" woman, who draws the wrong kind of attention. Your clothing speaks louder than your words, so choose them wisely.
Many argue that women's pants (that look feminine) with a feminine top/blouse is much more modest than skirts or dresses, that reveal more skin and are indecent to do many activities in. We now live in a culture that offers so many styles of clothing to choose from, whether it be modest pants or skirts, that there is no excuse, either way, to be indecent, or masculine. And men need not dress feminine.
When the Bible was written, everyone wore robes, but there was a distinct difference between the sexes. Today most of our culture wears pants, and there is a vast difference in some apparel, that would help preserve that separation, than others. A godly Christian's job is to try to dress so that your children will know there is a difference between the sexes, and not be confused about his/her identity.
Many argue that pants show a woman's shape, but they also show a man's shape. So, if it is wrong for a woman, then it is wrong for man. A skirt or dress shows the shape as well, to a certain extent, and reveal more flesh, but does help maintain the distinction better. This is where you must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. And, as a woman, whatever you choose, make sure it is feminine. And, as a man, make sure whatever you wear looks masculine, because God says it is an abomination to do otherwise.
Men also need to dress modestly and keep the same areas covered. Men are enticed by sight and women by touch, so this explains a lot of the problems with guys lusting after other guys, and turning to homosexuality today. The more nudity a nation tolerates, the more perverted that nation becomes.
As far as jewelry and makeup, the Bible says not to "adorn" or decorate yourself with gold, pearls and costly array, and that we are to be "shame-faced." This means not drawing attention to yourself by the showing off of valuable or flashy jewelry, clothes or makeup.
Again, we have the two extremes, from absolutely no makeup or jewelry of any kind, to the popular "Jezebel Christian Woman look" as portrayed by most Pastor's wives today. And once again the balanced Christian must use modesty and moderation, and look nice and natural, but not "flashy" or "fake." Let it be a joyful countenance and godly works that gets you attention - that way, the glory goes to God - not man.
There is plenty of natural bare mineral makeup out there that actually enhances your complexion by covering the flaws (pimples, wrinkles, scars, blotches, etc...) without covering the true beauty. It lets your skin breathe and actually helps cure it. It looks natural and makes a woman feel more attractive, yet not fake.
Jewelry can be used in moderation also. A wedding or engagement ring serve useful purposes and are a tradition in our society. They don't need to be extravagant, causing someone to want to steal and hock them. Mother's day pins, tie pins and gold/silver rimmed glasses and watches are all small types of jewelry that do not look extravagant or flashy.
We have been in some churches who even forbade having a gold or silver pen in your vest pocket, or having gold or silver trim or your car! You can really go to extremes if you are not living the BALANCED CHRISTIAN LIFE.
The Bible definitely forbids tattoos and piercing's of any kind - so no need to use the "balance" rule here - Lev. 19:28. Ye shall not make any cuttings (piercing's) in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks (tattoos) upon you: I am the Lord. Not to mention the "common sense" rule, and the fact that our bodies are the temple of God!
This is why we are to judge righteous judgment, and to judge all things. Someday we will be judged by the Bible (your deeds) and the Book of Life (salvation). God says someday we shall even judge angels.
Everyone judges one way or the other. We judge whether to accept or reject sinful behavior every day. But not everyone judges righteous judgement - and that is judgement that is in accordance with the Scriptures.
We are each walking a balance beam (or tightrope) to heaven and must be ever vigilant, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). Ever endeavoring to keep from falling to the right or left extremes, lest we lose our souls and those we love.
Some try to use the verse about God saying we need to be cold or hot, because God will spit the lukewarm out of His mouth someday. (Rev. 3:15, 16) This is in reference to our "works" and is describing how God wants our fervor and desire to be. We are not to be lukewarm in our love and devotion to Him and His will, but rather be on fire for Him. We are not to lose or leave our "first love." (Rev. 2:4).
This is not referring to being hot or cold extremes in our moderation in all things. The Bible does not contradict itself, but rather Scripture interprets Scripture, and by the mouth of two or three witnesses (verses that compliment and balance each other) it validates itself.
There are many more issues in your Christian walk that will need to be "weighed in the balance" (Job 31:6, Dan. 5:27). With a KJV Bible and Complete Concordance, you can't go wrong. It seems hard, but at the same time is so easy that even a child or challenged person can do it. Remember, the way of the transgressor is hard, but God's yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Just hold onto His hand and He will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Follow in His footprints because He has made the way for us, and was tempted in all manners as we are. He then laid down His life for us and gave us a guidebook to find the way to eternal life.
What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? (Mt. 16:26) Please ask Jesus to save you and be your Savior and Lord. Each day ask Him what HE wants you to do with your life, not what you want to do. He is your Creator and knows what is best for you and what will truly make you feel happy and fulfilled. Otherwise, you will live a miserable, empty, unfulfilled life and then spend eternity in Hell.
Remember my song, I've got nail-scarred hands to hold to, and I'm following nail-scarred feet - I've got a spear-pierced side to cling to, and that's all I'll ever need!
