BALANCE

The definition of balance is - an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady. How important balance really is in our day to day life is amazing. We use it to walk, make choices, poor milk into our cereal bowl or drive a car down the road - all of them require balance. We also see this in yes and no or good and bad decisions.

It is pretty easy to take this 'balance' for granted however, and to prove that, most of us likely never give it a thought or make it a part of our daily conversation. But what about other forms of balance? Maybe with our behavior?

Last month we discussed choices, free will and the lines we should or should not cross. In all of the instances where as a boy I crossed a line; and was punished for it, it was because I was out of balance. Why? Because I did what "I" wanted to do, putting what my parents wanted second. This took things out of balance. Another example is when my response to a teacher was spoken tersely, or maybe sarcastically. I went from balanced to off-balanced, completely changing my course in life - at least for that particular day.

The discipline I received growing up taught me that balancing my behavior was better for me in the long run. Making a habit of keeping balance in our lives is the fastest way to a happy more complete life. The way we treat one another, respond to one another or work for others should be free of our selfish desire to respond negatively, harshly or sarcastically. What is more, this lesson applied to the way we behave with our spouses or children; will have everything to do with whether we live a happy balanced life, or whether we pay the price in the end with severe consequences.

Last month we used Corinthians 10:23, and it also applies here as well for it says - We have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial. We have the right to do anything, but not everything is constructive. This means, sure, we can talk tough and rough, but in the end, we will pay the price for that type of behavior. The choice we make, always dictates the outcome.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1