The Benefits of a Balanced Life

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Have you ever passed a co-worker’s desk that was so disorganized you felt you needed hand sanitizer simply because you walked by? But at the opposite side of the spectrum have you ever met someone who is so obsessed with health and fitness that you wanted to avoid them whenever you saw them coming? Maybe even hid your lunch because you just knew they’d ridicule your choices?

But on the other hand, have you noticed that certain someone who seems so calm and put together in a crisis and wondered what is their secret? What’s their difference?  Ask  and you’ll probably find out that they have peace.

Peace is balance.  It’s an inner confidence that whatever life throws at you, you’ll survive. Peace comes from within. For me, peace begins with Christ. I know that whatever life has in store for me, I have a better life awaiting, for “What can man do to me?”

I’ve noticed a definite correlation between a successful healthy lifestyle and spirituality. It’s the principle reason I began New Creations Ministries.

Let me give you an example:

Unbalanced people represent a pendulum, swinging one way or the other. They remind me of celebrities who overcome addiction, found the Lord and enthusiastically preach God on every talk show but have no strong foundation. Sounds great and people look up to them. But then something happens in their private lives and you find their mug shot on every magazine cover. Unfortunately, not a great representative of Christianity, is it? An addictive personality is a pendulum while God extols balance.

 “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

Look at weight loss. Some are so gung-ho about a diet plan that it’s all or nothing too. They either follow the diet to the letter or give up, losing control.  They never eat in moderation which God encourages and desires. By the way, the only diet that works is a lifelong one of carbohydrates, lean proteins and good fats which one look forward to. Who wants to consume protein shakes, boxed meals or cabbage soup forever?

One needs to find an eating plan that can be taken into the real world, meaning restaurants, social events and day-to-day living. One which is realistic. “You mean I can consume chocolate, french fries or ice cream???”  Sure, occasionally, as long as it’s not overdone and you restore balance with high fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables, cutting down on fattening foods during the rest of the day.

If a certain food is an addiction, stay away from it because you’ll likely lose control. But to declare, “Thou shalt NEVER eat chocolate!!” is NOT what God commanded. That’s putting words in God’s mouth. Eggs, strawberries and ice cream only cause challenges if you’re allergic or addicted. “Aha! See, there are foods that are forbidden!”  Sigh. There are certain items that would cause pain or death so God also provided common sense. We wouldn’t consume hemlock or poison mushrooms now would we?

Adam and Eve’s willful disobedience is what brought the downfall of man into the world. God provides boundaries for our own good. Loss of control and overeating causes destruction not only our health but also to our spiritual lifestyle. Never make food your idol when our gracious Lord God provides so much more! Proverbs 3:5,6.