Balance…
I recently led discussions on John Stott’s book Balanced Christianity. In it, he cites a theologian, Charles Simeon, who describes a balanced approach to Christianity as “oscillating (not vacillating) from pole to pole” without becoming stationary at either end. Both poles, be they intellect and emotion, conservative and radical, form and freedom, or evangelism and social action, are necessary for a balanced walk. Imbalance is likely if one chooses to dwell only on either end.
In my reflections on this metaphor, the image that came to me was that of an oscillating fan. Once per oscillation cycle, the fan direction touches the extreme ends only once. But the fan’s direction travels through the middle twice per cycle. More importantly, most of the energy for its purpose is focused forward, not to the left or right of the room.
Faith must always be forward-looking, but it is not anathema to touch or experience the extremes; just don’t dwell. I think Jesus would agree with the words of the venerable Mr. Miyagi.
“Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good… everything good. Balance bad, better pick up, go home. Understand?”
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