Balance. That’s a word I wish a few people knew more about. In the recent past, the idea of balance seems to have disappeared in society. People’s responses to each other and pressured circumstances seems to swing from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Yet, balance is important in many ways. In life as individuals nor in society are we expected to live on the extremity. Instead, we seek to do what we can to live as followers of God who engage the world with a sense of perspective which does not change or pivot with each new news report, viral video, or wild idea.
In fact, Paul the Apostle suggested living in balance as one of the critical areas where you demonstrate a true relationship with God. If you can understand how he is challenging you to live, then your life and all your relationships can change. Further, the benefits you reap in your daily walk with God will benefit you greatly.
(This particular text is so important for daily living, I teach it to every couple in preparation for marriage. I often share it with couples having marital problems as well. When both the husband and wife commit to this kind of balanced living, the change is dramatic.)
Let me explain.
Living In Balance
Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Paul highlights balance when he challenges us to walk worthy. The idea inherent in this term is balance, equilibrium, or one thing being equal to another thing.
In order to achieve balance, one item must offset the weight of another item. In this instance, the weight of one side is the calling; the weight of the other side is the walking. The call versus the walk.
The Call
The call to which Paul refers relates to the Gospel and points back to Ephesians 1-3. In this part of the book, Paul identifies three aspects of the Gospel that help us understand the call.
The Gospel ~ Salvation (Eph 2:1-10)
Before salvation, we were slaves to our flesh as we lived according to the course of this age and under the influence of the prince of this age. It was impossible to honor the Lord because we were spiritually dead. Yet, in an act of immeasurable mercy and grace, God provided salvation. Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10). In an effort to demonstrate the incredible riches of God’s grace, He made a way by faith in order to be saved. With salvation, He also provided a new path down which we walk as believers in which He is working. We are created for these new good works.
The Gospel ~ The Body of Christ (Eph 2:11-22)
When we were saved, we also received a people. We went from those who were outside God’s people without hope to inside the people of God. God placed us in the body of Christ. We became part of the household of God. We became part of God’s family. Where we once were both separated from God and each other, through the blood of Jesus Christ we are together – reconciled to God and with each other in one body.
The Gospel ~ The Power of the Holy Spirit (Eph 3:1-21)
The third aspect of the Gospel Call refers to the power of the Holy Spirit. Again, in the moment of salvation, God gives to each person the Holy Spirit. The Spirit manifests Himself in the individual believer in power (Eph 3:20-21; cf. Eph 1:19-23). There is a new power that works in us which allows us to honor God in any situation. Where we once had no ability to honor the Lord, now, through the Spirit, we can live for God’s glory.
The Call Equals the Gospel
When you consider all three senses of the Gospel, you begin to understand the call. Paul commands all believers to live consistent with the calling – or the Gospel. As believers, we are saved from sin and toward a new life of good works in Christ, become part of God’s one family, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the essence of the Gospel.
The Gospel call provides the standard for living. This call changes everything. We are saved with a new agenda of living it out every day with others in the family of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. What an incredible difference than before salvation when none of these things were possible.
Your Walk
What is the call of God supposed to be equal to? What is the counterweight? Your walk or lifestyle.
As a follower of Christ, you are to walk worthy or in equilibrium with the call of God.
In other words, you are to live every day as one in which God is working, who has a people to work with, and who is empowered by the Spirit.
The unknown weight is your walk.
We Each Have a Challenge and a Blessing
The challenge for each of us is to walk consistent with the wonderful realities of the Gospel. Yet, God enables us to do this, which is the blessing. We are saved, are within the people of God, and have the power of the Spirit.
God graciously gives us a challenge and the ability to live up to that challenge.
Over the next few days, I will help you better understand how this works and how you can live consistent with the Gospel.
More In This Series 5 Key Characteristics of Walking with Christ: Humility 5 Key Characteristics of Walking with Christ: Gentleness 5 Key Characteristics of Walking with Christ: Patience 5 Key Characteristics of Walking with Christ: Forbearance 5 Key Characteristics of Walking with Christ: Unity of the Spirit 5 Key Characteristics of Walking with Christ: The Application – Living Like Christ
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