The Juggling Act
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
I Corinthians 15:44 (NKJV)
No circus would be complete without a juggling act. We watch in amazement as a team of men and women in sequined attire enter the ring. They nod and bow to the audience as they’re introduced, then quickly fall into their routine. At first, it seems simple enough. Three balls, then four, then five, then six, then seven. Some begin lofting clubs, hoops, and fragile plates. Then the pattern of flying paraphernalia becomes more complicated, with crisscrossing flight paths. Then, an element of danger is added as long-blade knives and flaming torches are flung through the air. We hold our breaths, gasp in suspense, and applaud with appreciation throughout the jugglers’ demonstration. And all the while, we wonder how they manage to make it look so easy. Even during the most complex display, each of the jugglers smiles broadly. They never miss a pass or drop a ball. Their juggling act appears completely effortless.
Our lives seem like juggling acts. We don’t toss balls and clubs in the air, but we’re wearing many hats and managing various responsibilities and juggling several schedules. Work schedules, school schedules, practice schedules, exercise schedules. Meal plans, reading plans, budget plans, and vacation plans. Grocery lists, to-do lists, laundry lists, and wish lists. Some people we know manage to find the proper balance in their daily routines, and they keep a smile on their face. How do they manage to make it look so easy? We know from experience—it’s no easy trick to keep in all airborne, and to our great despair, we keep dropping the ball.
1. In an effort to keep balance in our lives, we feel like we’re in a juggling act. On the one hand, we have life’s physical needs to consider. Bills—grocery bills, doctor’s bills, utility bills, repair bills, school bills. But what does Jesus remind us of in Luke 12:22-23?
2. We hear so much about a balanced life these days. We’re urged to get more sleep and more exercise. We’re supposed to have balanced diets and balanced checkbooks. But as believers, we also have to consider the balance between our physical needs and our spiritual needs. What comparison does Paul draw in 1 Timothy 4:8?
3. In order for anything to balance, it must have a sturdy foundation. We cannot expect to live a balanced life if we do not have a sound base. Both Solomon and Paul spoke much of having something sound at the heart. Match up these examples:
___ Proverbs 2:7 a. God gives a spirit of power and a sound mind
___ Proverbs 3:21 b. We may be sound in the faith
___ Proverbs 8:14 c. Keep sound wisdom and discretion
___ 2 Timothy 1:7 d. By sound doctrine we may convict and exhort
___ 2 Timothy 1:13 e. Hold fast the pattern of sound words
___ 2 Timothy 4:3 f. God stores up sound wisdom for the upright
___Titus 1:9 g. Counsel is mine and sound wisdom
___ Titus 1:13 h. Many will not endure sound doctrine
Striking the proper balance may require us to simplify our lives, for the more responsibilities we have, the more difficult it is to keep all the balls aloft. Paring back on earthly cares allows us to focus on spiritual ones. That’s why nuns of old took vows of poverty and chastity. Without all their time taken up by caring for house and husband and children, they could live to minister to the needs of others. We also have more time for our Christian brothers and sisters if we aren’t overworked, overextended, and overwhelmed. Could simplification help put your life into better balance?
4. In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells His disciples about the conditions needed for His Word to take root, flourish, and bear fruit. What stood in the way of one heart’s fruitfulness, according to Luke 8:14?
5. Consider for a moment—why do we want to have balanced lives? Is it so that we can live comfortably, happily, undisturbed? Or is it so that we can give proper time and attention to God’s purposes for us? We are hear to bear fruit!
John 15:2 – “Every __________ in Me that does not __________ __________ He takes away; and every __________ that __________ __________ He __________, that it may bear ____________________” (NKJV)
John 15:16 – “You did not __________ Me, but I __________ you and __________ you that you should __________ and __________ __________, and that your __________ should __________” (NKJV)
6. A balanced life pays heed to both the physical and spiritual needs of our bodies. A balanced life thrives and bears fruit.
· What does John 15:4 say we must do in order to bear fruit?
· What does John 15:8 say is the result of a fruitful life?
Spend a little time this week considering what your physical needs are and what your spiritual needs are. How do they affect one another? What happens when either one is given the greater balance of your time and attention? We weren’t meant to live balanced lives just for our own peace of mind, but so that we can be fruitful. What do you suppose that might mean in your own life?
Adapted with permission from Living a Life of Balance, ©2005 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy for yourself, click here.
