When I first began my study of theology in graduate school, in particular John Calvin, I was struck by his teaching on “balance” or “temperance”. He wrote about how out-of-control the world (and us) is because of sins “uncontrollability”. The bottom line is that he taught that a healthy life is a balanced life. How true!
We are all prone to extremes and out-of-control living. Whether it’s shopping, toys, work, leisure, health, not health, T.V., internet, cell phones, tempers, lust, consumerism, over reacting to consumerism, wealth, poverty, thinking, too much food, too many clothes, environmental issues (either way) opinions, etc. We tend to become imbalanced.
I think Calvin’s call to a balanced life is a great word for this season; to live in balance for our time, gifts, shopping, partying, traffic and our attitudes. As we start to ramp up towards Christmas and New Years, let’s seek to live in moderation and balance so that we can focus more on Christ Jesus.
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
YES! Thanks. Tomorrow CIndy Phelps & I go on our 8th annual “Advent Retreat of Silence” to focus on the season.
“Balance” the word itself evokes thoughts of peace and harmony, while the word “life” makes me think more about the chaos that is around us in the world. Oh how I wish I could always find a balance.