A Matter Of Balance

by Terrell, J. D. | Category: General | Aug 1995

A special section of the inner ear, the semi-circular canals, serves as a balance regulator for our bodies, employing the hydraulic system of transmitting its messages through liquid pressures and movements. Here, extremely sensitive nerve endings detect the movement of the fluid held in these three canals, the movements reflecting our everyday body movements and activities. They operate as an automatic balancer. You will recall spinning at speed on one foot as a child and the consequent giddiness 'chaos in the canals'! This mechanism is beautifully constructed for its job. The three arms of the system are perfectly set at the correct angles to one another. Design and precision from a Creator of perfect wisdom and balance.

In many intensely practical day-by-day issues we need to seek God's help towards balanced lives, remembering the scripture that 'a false balance is an abomination to the LORD' (Prov. 11:1); balance in matters of human resources of which we all have a share - our time and what we do with it. It may be that home or other responsibilities will create for some, what appears to others, an imbalance in the use of time. Let us be careful not to judge one another unwisely in these things. Similarly with our money, and the things it can buy. The Bible makes it plain enough that those with responsibility to families have a clear primary duty to them (see 1 Tim. 5:8). But even alongside this kind of duty, we should recognize the demands of the Lord's work and of others in need and prayerfully discover how God would have us use our money, however little or much.

Just as god has provided our bodies with such a marvellous balance mechanism, so He will keep us right in our spiritual lives through the Word of God and prayer. The semi-circular canals get a bit upset when we spin around or stand on our head! - which is just what so many people do in regard to the true priorities of life. But the Christian can do better - and must. He or she is not confusing balance with compromise; not balancing spiritual things against worldly, an easy trap to fall into; but striking a balance between lawful uses of the world and spiritual activity on the one hand; and on the other, between one spiritual activity and another. With regard to the latter can we detect how god wishes that our life from day to day and our words and testimony should witness His glory. Energetic activity in spreading the gospel should flow from love to Christ. So should obedience to the Lord's command to remember Him and to bring worship to his God and Father. Not an enthusiasm that neglects one command of the Master while throwing everything into another, but by all means let us have the enthusiasm! Balance does not mean stuffy or fearful caution in everything we do.

So then the balance mechanism in the inner ear teaches many lessons about hearing and judgement, or balance, in a Christian's life. We marvel at God's wisdom and power in things natural and spiritual.

Terrell, J. D. | Aug 1995
General