Becoming Well Balanced

James taught about the testing of our faith and experiencing trials of different kinds. He said that when our faith it tested, it produces endurance and patience. When patience has done it’s perfect work in us, we will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James encouraged a person without wisdom to ask God, who would give freely without holding back. He had a prescription for our asking of God. This was to be done without doubt, as doubting is a sign of instability. He described a doubter as having a mind that is like the waves of the sea. The waves are driven by the currents of the wind. Someone with this sort of mindset, will struggle to receive anything from God.

James described a double minded person who was doubtful as an unstable person. Remember that the requirement for pleasing God is an attitude of faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). We cannot please God without first believing, that he is who he says he is and that his word is true. Why is doubt such a big deal and how does it rob us of faith? Having doubt is to call into question the truth of something or to lack confidence in a person. With God there is no sitting on the fence; either we believe in him or we don’t.

The scripture makes several references to being either hot or cold, wheat or tares, sheep or wolves. Many people enjoy sitting on the fence as it means that they don’t have to fully commit to anything. Most people won’t put up with half hearted commitment, so what makes us think that God will accept it? The term well balanced can suggest having a good mix of different traits and characteristics. It also connotes emotional stability and a sense of security. Having Christ Jesus as our solid and secure foundation is a source of stability.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). As believers, we listen to the voice of God and obey his commandments. This helps to guarantee both emotional and spiritual stability, as the storms of life will not cause us to drift. Contrasted to the person who hears and does the word, is the person who does not listen and take heed. That person’s foundation is like sand which does not withstand the storms of life. Paul also admonished us to continue to be built up in the word. “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14).

A.P.-Y.