I would like to lay a foundation for these few thoughts. First, I would like to define the word “balance.” Balance means a “counter balancing weight force, or influence; a state equipoise between different elements or opposing forces to produce equilibrium or steadiness.” Opposing forces brought to bear upon our lives have a tendency to bring us into a place of complete stability in this life.
In the physical realm, balance is the ruling principle of life. We can only have health when there is a proper balance of diet. Work must be balanced with rest and relaxation. In the financial world, many a good man has been ruined because he was unable to balance expenditures with income.
What is true in other realms is true in the spiritual realm. True greatness is not determined by the position a man holds, neither by the church he pastors; it is determined by his [her] ability to keep balance in every phase of his [her] Christian life. True greatness depends on balance—that state of equilibrium which despite all the forces that are brought to bear on us, will keep us steady and stable in every phase of our Christian life.
God has given us His Word to produce that very effect upon our lives. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” God has given us this Word so all of these elements might be brought to bear on our lives to produce balance and stability in our Christian life. It isn’t enough to know the doctrines of God; there must be other influences brought to bear upon our lives.
You will remember how the Lord Jesus Christ was led of the Spirit into the wilderness, and Satan came and tempted Him. Jesus found that place of equilibrium by balancing one Scripture against another Scripture and stood unwavering and unmovable. If opposing forces are brought to bear on our lives, it’s all right; God has ordained them that we might find that place of equilibrium and stability in Him.
We must keep balance between the spiritual and the material realm. Our desire for material things must be balanced with consecration to the will of God. Many a man has fallen because he lost his balance along material lines.
We need to keep balance between our prayer life and our study of the Word of God. If we are only praying and not studying, we are out of balance. If we only study and do not pray, we are out of balance. Knowledge must be balanced with spirituality.
In all of our life and efforts, in all of our growth, we must counterbalance them with prayer; we must counterbalance them with the Word; and we must counterbalance them with the moving of the Spirit of God. Without balance, tragedy is sure to come.
Gayle F. Lewis was general superintendent from 1952–53, and filled the unexpired term of Wesley R. Steelberg, who died in office in 1952. Among other activities, Lewis was involved with the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America, serving as its chairman and member of the board. This address is from the 25th General Council in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1953. It is adapted from The Pentecostal Evangel, September 27, 1953.
