Balancing Relationships

I desire balance, yet it escapes me again today. What of it – where did it go? It is defined as “a state of equilibrium; equal distribution of weight.” Balance is “the ability to decide an outcome by throwing one’s influence/support to one side or the other.” In life, the rest that we call balance is our ongoing adjustments of endless relationships, movements, and accounts. It is the constant correction of imbalances that we will, hopefully, get better and better at controlling. Here a few ways the Lord is teaching me about balance – especially in the area of relationships.

Instruction from the Word and from:

… the nature of God: I should be in the continual process of becoming all that God is. God is not just ‘fair’ – He is righteous (balanced), which is far better! Since the Lord is balanced, that is what I should desire; and thus, I should become more balanced each day. …for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth… Daniel 9:14b

… physics: To every action, there is an equal & opposite reaction. God has established a system of balance and has placed me in it. I cannot change Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion – but I can violate it with my free will. Balance will give love, gratitude, and respect to whom it is due. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:7

… agriculture: The law of sowing and reaping dictates that you will receive what you plant, although it will be in the future and in greater quantities. We should see every action and every word as a seed, going into the ground of our lives, our children, our community, our futures. Be not deceived ; God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth , that shall he also reap . For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8

… finance: The only system that works is one of checks and balances. A good financier knows that for every debit, there must be a credit. For every expense, there must be income. God sees this and has prepared a system of receiving and giving, giving and receiving. We receive from God, then give to others. Constant interchanges. If not, we are imbalanced and, in turn, affecting others. …freely ye have received , freely give. Matthew 10:8b

… travel: In order for relationships to flow smoothly, it’s got to be a 2-way street. Just as you can’t always go without coming back, relationships are not meant to be only one-directional. There must be something that is returned to keep in balance. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Galatians 6:6

Application for Life:

1. Your relationship with God: When God blesses you, do you bless Him back? We could never pay Him back for all He’s done for us, but do you ever see yourself as a debtor to Him?

2. Your relationship with Family: It is easy to take our most valued possessions for granted. It is easy to come to expect certain things from your family and children, instead of appreciating them. In what ways can you see an imbalance of love or service to others in your home?

3. Your relationships at Church: Many times, we come to church, drop our offering in the plate, listen to the preacher, then leave for another week. Was your investment of time and money balanced with what you received from the service? Did you consider the needs of others; did they consider yours (did you tell them)? In what ways could you better develop a healthy relationship with your congregation and pastor?

4. Your relationship to Government: I know… since you pay your taxes, you’ve got a right to tell them how to spend it and to complain about how much more they want. Sure…me too, but is that balanced? Do you owe it to your country to vote? To become involved in the process? To be a better citizen?

5. Your relationship with Work: Does your employer get a balanced deal when he signs your paycheck? If not, who gets the short end of that stick? Why? What could be done to bring better balance?

6. Your relationship with Friends: What kind of friends do you have? Better yet, what kind of friend are you? Take inventory of your friends. Is your input balanced with theirs or should you consider investing more in them?

Your relationship with Others: What does the Bible teach that you could give to people (who you don’t even know) to help balance their lives and their relationships?