Solomon wrote under the same direction of the Author, Who breathed His Word to all the anointed writers of the Bible. In his book, called Ecclesiastes, Solomon promoted a Balanced Life. Perhaps his years of success and failure had carved out a truth that God wanted us to learn. Solomon wrote of seasons and times; designated moments that are polar and yet appropriate. He also wrote: Ecclesiastes 7:16 “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”
The verse means that we should not think ourselves too righteous to repent or too ceremonially perfect that we forget what God has done for us. It gives us caution not to be too wise in our eyes lest we destroy ourselves, i.e., “don’t outsmart yourself.”
The concise term is Balance. There is a time for everything, but not everything all of the time. Nature teaches us balance. The human anatomy is an artistic display of balance. The temperature of the earth; gravity and those invisible barriers that allow the sun to penetrate the earth’s crust is kept in check by the same. The stars and galaxies are all held by the poise of God’s order. Balance.
I submit that our actions, thoughts, and ideas must follow in kind. There is a time to speak of the condition of our sinful world. Our culture is corrupt. Carnality is a disease wrought against humanity. Nevertheless, the scripture would offer a balance, or in this sense, a counterbalance. Paul said that where sin abounded “grace did much more abound” Romans 5:20. There is a time to preach against wickedness, of this I’m sure. However, sometimes I wonder if we should stop rebuking the darkness and just turn on the Light.
Jonathan paused to taste the honey and it enlightened his eyes. The honey gave him strength even in the midst of the battle. There will be trouble, but along the way, God has provided encouragement. It is appropriate for us to rejoice in the blessing, instead of continually recalling the trial.
The church struggles from time to time, but it also has victories and benefits. We all experience deep valleys, but a balanced life will produce miracles on the same path as the affliction. It’s only when we are out of balance that we find ourselves out of order. “Out of balance” people are either too proud to admit their failure or too fearful to recognize that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” They are either full of themselves or wallowing in despair. We are seeking a Balanced Life, which is a life in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole