Balance

Over the years I have tried to apply balance to my life and encourage it in others. I have found that those who like to view themselves as radicals do not like the concept of balance. Balance sounds like compromise to the radical. I try to be very choosy on which mountains I am willing to die on; molehills are not mountains.

Consider diets and this no treatise on diets but rather an analogy for balance. When I hear about radical diet programs; I usually think about how a balanced diet with reasonable portions would do wonders for most folks including myself.

In our current world, everyone seems to be divided into two camps on many issues. Our country is divided along political, cultural, religious, and societal issues with very few clear balanced proposals. It seems that a line has been drawn in the sand and swords are drawn.

One of the problems with balance for us is the fact we must honestly consider both sides of an issue. Many people do not want to entertain a thought from the other side. People tend to scurry to the far end of the spectrum on an issue rather than consider all the issues.

Logic and emotion never mix. Just think back to the arguments or disagreement of which you have been a part. If someone was very angry with you and you tried to logically explain, they did not hear one word of your logic. The same is true in our world. People get emotional about an issue and hear nothing of reason from the other side (by the way, this happens on the left and right).

True conversation about an issue takes place when everyone has a chance to speak, and everyone has the responsibility to listen. If someone only wants to scream and not listen, then conversation has ceased.

When true compromise happens; neither side gets all they want but everyone gets something, and we learn to live with the difference.

Why can we not reach a mutual point? Why must there be winners and losers? As an example: If we can purchase bread for a reasonable price such as the current price of $2.50/loaf then we are not losing nor is the store or baker. But if all the suppliers get together and fix their prices at $6.00 per loaf then we as the consumers will be the losers and they will be the winners. If we all act reasonable and balanced, then it is conceivable that we could all be winners to some degree. This often does not happen because of the lust for money and power.

Balance means, I do my part and you do your part. Personal responsibility begins inward and progresses outward as it begins with the individual then positively affecting others. Our positive actions have the potential to cause a positive reaction in others.

I know, we do not live in a perfect world. These concepts do not always bring about the desired results because some people are bent on doing bad things. If I am kind to someone then the odds of them reciprocating with kindness is greater than if I am unkind but there are no guarantees.

Please consider the words of Apostle Paul to the Church at Philippi,
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself./ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV).

I am purposing in my heart to be about the Kingdom of God in this perverse world of destruction and sin. I pray you join me in this Journey with Jesus as we walk in the principles of the Kingdom of God not in the failed follies of this world.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt

Pathway Outreach Ministries