Spiritual Balance

I remember working on the farm many years ago.  Out in the field with the tractor hooked to an implement and tilling the fields.  When I was quite young, I would relish the days that I could stay home from school and drive the tractor!  I felt so grown up and important.

I also remember how dad would tell me the appropriate speeds and depths in which to work the field--good advice when heeded.  Of course, I was too impatient and would often drive a little too fast, which would put the equipment at risk of damage.

What I was unable to accept, in my immaturity, was that there was a delicate balance between the power being applied to the machinery and the proper use of that power so as not to damage anything.

As I thought about that, the same is true for us a followers of Jesus.  As the Church, we have been given incredible power as we read in Ephesians 1:3 that says "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."  The presence of the Holy Spirit in us, is the presence of power incarnate--the same power that brought all things into existence resides in us!  Hard to believe but true.

And this power is meant to accomplish things:  Ephesians 1:11  "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."  God has a plan and He is exercising His strength and will in order to accomplish that plan.

Finally, we are being invited to participate in that plan:  Ephesians 3:7 "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power."  And Ephesians 4:1 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

So how does this fit all together?  God has a plan.  He has given His children power.  And He has asked us to loose that power through which can change the world.  It's all good. . . .except. . . .

When I was in the field I would abuse the power of the tractor to accomplish my will, which was to get done the work more quickly!  I do the same with God:  it's great that He has saved me, and has equipped me with spiritual gifts and power, but do I appropriately balance that power with His will?  Or do I use it, or worse yet, not use it all, because of my own agendas or sin?

All the children of God must wrestle with the question of living with spiritual balance.  We must not be only grateful for the beautiful gifts God has showered on us, but we must also begin to recognize that God has expectations of us to use that power, and to use it appropriately--which is according to His will.

So let's start plowing the fields of this world with the incredible power of Jesus Christ providing all the strength needed.  And let's begin to live with a spiritual balance that listens to His direction, and we will begin to see His amazing Kingdom manifest in our midst.

BT