God’s Design for Balance

A few years back I was asked to assist a ministry in re-working their stated purpose and vision.  For years they had been known for the awesome teaching their leadership provided to their members and staff but felt like something was missing. As we prayed God revealed that teaching was only part of their mission. Teaching was encouragement for those already in and God was saying they also need to be reaching out. There it was, they’re new stated purpose – To Reach and To Teach. So many of us can get tunnel vision when we operate in the comfortable place of our strengths and gifting. But, God really wants us to be in balance so we can operate in His fullness. 

Last week I sprained my right index finger.  I wish I had a cool story about a trigger malfunction at the gun range but sadly it just bent the wrong way as I picked up a grocery bag. Being right handed and typing a lot at work I knew this was not going to be a good recovery process. You’d be surprised how much you rely a part of your body until it’s not available. You’d also be surprised at how weak some parts are when not used regularly. I had to modify many aspects of my life and use other fingers and my other hand to accomplish tasks my right index finger and other hand were already so good at.   Here’s a test for you… Fold your arms in front of you.  Now try and fold them with the other hand tucked inside.  See what I mean?  Did you feel uncoordinated and silly?  Try opening a can or  bottle with your other hand… Talk about the kryptonite effect.  I felt like a weakling.  

Like the adjustments needed for my finger injury, this ministry went through some changes as they exercised new found spiritual muscles. They were certainly better off in the end when they realized they already had members of their with the willingness and gifts to accomplish the tasks.  These dear ones had been on the sidelines waiting to be called on; sadly the team had unknowingly let them become weakened while not in use.  

Are there some areas in your own life you need to put into balance and exercise the other side?  Are you in a group where some members are not being used to their full potential because of a one sided focus?  Seek God, as I did with this ministry, and He will show you where balance is needed.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Ephesians 4:16

 **Lord, thank you for gifting me for your purposes. I know you are faithful to complete the work you have begun in me and I long to be whole. Help me to see where I am out of balance in my life. Help me be courageous as I begin to strengthen those areas and feel weak and silly. Forgive me for overlooking those around me that are different than me but part of your body and spirit. Make as one, joined by our love for you. ** 

Click here for link to see: God’s Gift of Balance