Living life in balance is key to our work, faith

You've probably seen them at Target or on any New Age exercise advertisement: pictures of well-muscled men and women standing balanced on one leg with the other leg up in the air in some strange contortion. This is an advertisement for balance.

In our society, balance seems to be important. Balanced budgets, balanced diets, balanced bodies, balanced funds, balanced everything.

Yet, are we a balanced people? I think not.

People are running around with all manner of electronic devices attached to their bodies, talking to two people at once, working too much, neglecting their kids, their marriages, their health. Balance is a rare thing.

Our church family is experiencing a season where the themes of balance and peace are extremely important. How do we finish well? How do we become true disciples of Jesus and not just part of the crowd? Much of this relates to the cultivation of peace in our lives. Are we swept in the mad rush of the culture, even the Christian culture, or are we the blessed peaceful?

The word "equanimity" comes from the Latin word æquus meaning "even." The idea here is that we do not neglect any one area of our life and indulge in another. I am convinced that moderation keeps us going in the long run.

How can I remain healthy and fit? By eating moderately and exercising regularly. How can I keep my emotions and mind balanced? By resting, by not sitting in front of a TV or computer all day, by not becoming overloaded. How can I keep my spirit balanced? With a steady diet of Jesus through Scripture, fellowship, prayer, worship, confession.

One time my family and I were returning from a vacation in our old 1988 Jeep Cherokee. After many hours of driving with small kids in the back, we were approaching Augusta. The "low fuel" light came on.

I was tired. The kids were complaining. Common sense said to pull over, but I told my wife, Jennifer: "We're at Exit 1! Just four more miles and we're home! We can make it!"

Not this time.

Just after my optimistic speech was delivered, the Jeep started sputtering as we sped down the interstate. We ended up coasting onto Exit 1, just a few miles from our house. Out of gas, my 4×4 beast was immobilized.

I had failed to listen to my wife or heed the gauges, and now the result was further frustration, tired kids and a long walk to the nearest gas station. One little detail, out of balance, affected everything else. A great vacation ended poorly because I was in a hurry.

What's the moral? Check your gauges. Stay in balance. If one area of my life burns out, it won't be long before everything else follows. A clean, well-maintained Jeep without any gas isn't going anywhere. As Paul told the church in Thessalonica, if we spend all our time being spiritual but don't work, we don't deserve to eat. He knew that balance is required in all things.

The Rev. Jeff Miller is the pastor of Vineyard Community Church.