Have you noticed that one of the most difficult tasks that one faces is that of balance? It is true for both the secular or religious person. It is a struggle for the common man but it seems an almost impossible task for a pastor!
There seems always something that is trying to push me into one extreme or the other. I am drawn to either fanaticism or complacency. In 1976, I was pastoring a small country church in Eupora, Mississippi. I was visiting in the little hospital (about 20 beds) and I noticed that an elder minister from my congregation was standing outside the door to one of the rooms. He was dressed in suit and tie so I assumed that he was visiting someone but had to leave for a short time while the doctor or a nurse was in the room tending to the patient. I walked over and spoke to him and asked who he was visiting. He lifted his wrist and showed me the name-band and said that HE was the patient – dressed in suit, coat & tie!! It was his belief that he should be in the “uniform” of a minister – even when he was a patient in the hospital. To me, it was a LOT over the top! The last time I was a patient in the hospital, I wore pj’s and house shoes.
But, I have had my share of extreme moments also. I suspect that we all have. Dr. Kenny Flaming (http://www.kennyflaming.blogspot.com/) sent me the link to a YouTube video titled, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Pastors.” Watch it here:
Personally, I can see ME in some of those little things. I see Viv (my wife) almost perfectly portrayed in the wife. It is humorous but it demonstrates the dilemma of needing balance.
Is it wrong to do any of those things? Probably not of themselves but the problem arises when those things take such a priority in our lives that nothing else seems important. Some Christians wear their fanaticism like a “badge” of “super-spirituality” and “self-sacrificing obedience” to God. I realize that we made vows to God but we also made vows to our spouse! Is it God’s desire that I discount my marital vows in order to fanatically observe my vows to Him? I think not.
BTW, the Florida Hospital Church (http://www.hospitalchurch.org/) that produced the video above, also produced several other videos. In my attempts to find balance & become more “human” and less of a mechanical “pastor robot,” I have often been guilty of some of the faults demonstrated in another of their videos titled, “Before He Speaks.” Watch it here:
I hope this article & these videos will help us understand the need for (some humor – and) balance. That we should not go too far in either extreme on anything. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below…
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Well, your last comment did not disappear. I have no idea what happened to the others. They did not get trapped by my spam filter.
As to email, I may be able to help. Give me a call. I am listed in the phone directory.
Hey I am not able to figure out how to email. My comments keep disapearing. Any suggestions?
Tom
I agree totally with you about stagnant water being a place of stench and death.
I often remind myself of the danger of becoming like the “Dead Sea” at the end of the Jordan River. If we only “take in” and never “give out,” we stink and have little value – full of harsh chemicals and with little life left in us.
However, I do not understand the initials “gsm” that you mentioned at the end of your post. Could you explain?
Does balance = justice?
That is another very interesting concept. For me, justice demands balance. Jesus said, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment” (John 7:24, NIV). I believe that a “right” judgment requires that all the facts be considered and then weighted without bias. What do you think?
Ray
Hello Tom! I apologize for being so long in responding. As I mentioned in my latest post, I have been busy converting my computers from Windows to Linux.
“Balanced theology” (as you mentioned) is indeed the basic idea that I continue to seek. I do *NOT* see such balance as a way to “justify fence-sitters.” In fact, “balance” (as I see it) REQUIRES that one develop and maintain a life of integrity which involves a lot of change.
You spoke about the man in the illustration (sitting balanced on a chair). You said that “his life depended on his not moving lest he fall to his death.” I do not agree. I am not able to do what that man was doing but I THINK (not absolutely certain) that he had to continually make very minor adjustments to remain balanced. When riding a bike, I CANNOT remain stationary. I MUST keep moving. I assume that his situation would require the same.
Likewise, balance in theology (or, I assume, in any endeavor) requires that we continually keep making minor adjustments (as we acquire new information or as the environment changes) to reach the (temporary) point of balance. As soon as we acquire a new bit of data, we must again realign and re-balance. TRUTH never requires adjustment but our understanding of truth is constantly changing. Hopefully, our understanding is getting closer and closer to truth.
What do you think?
Ray
Hey Ray
Regarding balance: The idea set my imagination traveling. What would be a balanced theology or Christology? What would a balanced understanding of Christ’s life as described in Mark look like? Is balance a way to justify fence-sitters? Is balance another word for justice? Politically am I balanced,rightist or leftist.
Diabetically my goal is to balance my insulin, diet, exercise, and emotions in order to keep my blood glucose level between 100 and 140 in order to continue living.
The picture of the man balancing on the chairs was a great illustration of concept. It also showed me how his life depended on his not moving lest he fall to his death. When balance means motionless it becomes dangerous. Water that is stagnant is a breeding ground for germs,stench and mosquetoes(sp?). Are stagnant ideas also breeding ground for gsm?
Looking forward to a cogent and balanced resonse.
Peace, Tom