Balance

 “Balance”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

Balance is essential to many areas of life. Without balance, we cannot walk. Without mental “balance,” we can be considered insane. Similarly, balance is critical in the life of a Christian. Without balance, a Christian tends to focus on certain things to the exclusion of others of equal and perhaps greater importance. Sometimes, folks call this “hobby-riding” when we focus on one doctrine or practice to the exclusion of other teachings found in the Bible. Remember, we are to teach “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), not just certain parts, to the exclusion of other parts.

Some Who Lack Balance

            A lack of balance is evident in the father, who is a “workaholic.” Yes, we need to be honorably employed (II Thess. 3:10; Eph. 4:28), but our work cannot be allowed to overrun all other aspects of our lives! Too many people think of a “good provider” only in terms of the father who earns money for the family. Folks, we must remember that provision is just as much a spiritual responsibility as physical! If we fathers neglect our spiritual responsibilities to the family, how can we say we are truly providing (I Tim. 5:8)? The consequences of this imbalance can be severe, leading to a lack of spiritual nourishment and growth in the family. Ephesians 6:4 speaks specifically to “fathers...”! Are we listening?

            Lack of balance is evident when we see mothers who are too busy with their careers to obey the Biblical mandate “to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:4-5). Yes, many wives and mothers have a job to help the family budget, but this job must not be allowed to overtake her life to the point that she is not fulfilling her responsibilities as a wife and mother! Just as father needs balance, so does mother!

Balance In Our Lives

            Balance needs to be maintained as we struggle for time alone with God and then to make time to speak with others about God. We need to do both, you know! Here are some practical tips: we need time to pray alone (I Thess. 5:17). We need time to “be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10, 4:4). We need time for the study of God’s word (II Tim. 2:15), to meditate upon it and allow that word to “dwell in (us) richly in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16a). We also need to be speaking and spreading that word that we have learned to others (II Tim. 2:2) — Balance!

Balance In The Church

            It is evident that balance must be maintained in this war to win souls. First, we must be like Jesus, ready to open our mouths and speak the truth to instruct folks and win precious souls to Christ (Matt. 5:1; Acts 8:35, 10:34). Yet, not only must we be diligent in winning the lost (II Tim. 2:2; Mk. 16:15; etc.), but we must also make sure that we do not lose the saved (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10b)! This is yet another example of balance!

            Yet, if all we are doing as a church is “keeping house” and satisfied with few, if any, additions, then this is unbalanced action on our part! Many congregations make no effort, or minimal effort, to win lost souls (even though this is God’s command) because this means they have to get out of their “comfort zone.” Such congregations eventually wither and die because they lack balance.

            We must urgently strive for balance in our evangelism, reaching out to the lost while also nurturing the saved. It seems some have adopted a “sink-or-swim” policy toward the folks they were instrumental in bringing to Christ! In other words, they have an attitude that says, “We worked hard to teach you and win you to Christ. We have baptized you into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Now, we’re done with you. You must make it on your own.” Bad mistake! As one brother said, winning souls became just a “numbers game” to him until he learned better. Let us not fall into that trap.

            In either case, whether it is Christians who do not teach others or churches who ignore the spiritual needs of the brethren, both problems stem from a lack of balance! We must seek out lost people (Lk. 19:10; II Tim. 2:2). It is always great to save the lost. Yet, in our effort to win lost souls, let us be careful not to lose the saved! — Balance!

Balance In Preaching

            In the first century, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Tim. 4:2). In this short verse, we see balance described. We find balance when observing “how” we are to preach (reprove, rebuke, exhort). We also see balance as we note the characteristic that must be seen in all our preaching, namely, “all longsuffering and doctrine.” In other words, a preacher must reprove “with all longsuffering and doctrine,” rebuke “with all longsuffering and doctrine,” and exhort “with all longsuffering and doctrine”! In this way, we again see balance maintained in the preacher and his preaching!

            As a preacher of the gospel, I have opportunities to teach lost people. I also have the privilege of preaching to the saved! This is not something I decided to do. The Bible is clear that those who preach the gospel need to preach the truth to the lost and to the saved! Jesus did this, as did the apostles, and in following their example, so must I (I Cor. 11:1)! Such actions demand balance to ensure that lost folks get the lessons they need and that the saved folks get what they need! Balance also demands that personal applications be made in those sermons preached to benefit all!

Struggling To Maintain Balance

            Those reading this article are not reading words from someone who has figured out how to be “balanced” at all times! Instead, the article is written by someone who recognizes the need for balance and struggles daily!

            Yes, it is a daily commitment to be balanced in preaching/teaching. It is a daily struggle to maintain balance as a parent “even when” I am tired! I must make it a daily goal that my duties toward God, others, and self be balanced. We must examine ourselves to make sure that we are what we need to be daily and then make changes when necessary (Heb. 12:15; II Cor. 13:5; I Cor. 11:28; I Thess. 5:21; Jas. 1:25).

            It is a daily struggle for us all to be balanced, isn’t it? Yet, consider the alternative! Lack of balance causes the walking man to fall; it can even scramble our brains! (Remember the beginning of this article?) Let us all strive to be a balanced people, for in doing so, we will please God!

A Martyr For Christ

 “A Martyr For Christ”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 

        In my office, I have a picture of several preachers of the gospel from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I have heard of some of these men, and many I haven’t. However, one man stands out in that picture. This is a man named W. M. King. He stands out because, above his picture, there is a caption that reads, “A Martyr For Christ.” I know nothing about that man, but that inscription alone speaks volumes!

            This simple yet moving epitaph for brother King reminds me of the statement made about Antipas in Revelation 2:13: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” Just as in the case of the picture, I know little about Antipas, but what God chose to reveal in Scripture speaks volumes! Of course, Antipas and bro. King are not the only ones who have died because they were faithful to God. What can we learn from these (and other) martyrs?

 

A Martyr Is A Living Example Of Revelation 2:10.

            “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Being “faithful unto death” (KJV) means be faithful to the very taking of your life. This is what martyrs do! When faced with the possibility of losing their lives or losing favor with God, people like Antipas and bro. King chose to lose their lives! Their bravery in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring.

            In addition to Antipas and brother King, another example of a martyr for Christ is a man named Polycarp. Polycarp was contemporary with the apostle John and suffered death due to his faith. When threatened with death for his refusal to renounce God and worship Caesar, he responded thusly before being burned at the stake: “For eighty-six years I’ve served Jesus, and he has never wronged me in any way. How, then, can I possibly curse my very King and Savior?”¹

            Christians must be faithful to God to the very taking of our lives. Martyrs for the cause of Christ show us just what it means to be faithful. 

A Martyr’s Example Abides.

            Solomon wrote, “I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity” (Ecc. 8:10). In contrast with the evil ones that are often forgotten after their death, years after the death of various martyrs for Christ, we are still talking about them! Their example remains. The apostle Paul taught that the good works of the faithful cannot be hidden (I Tim. 5:25). Besides the martyrs we have mentioned, don’t forget Stephen, the first martyr for Christ (Acts 7). Indeed, he left an enduring example that not only teaches us, but it had to have also made an impression on Saul of Tarsus (Acts 7:58)! Stephen, when he knew he was going to be killed, did not apologize, change his teaching, or in any way compromise to “live another day.” His example abides and teaches us bravery in the face of man’s wrath. 

A Martyr Has Vision.

            In addition to martyrs named explicitly in the Bible, remember that Hebrews 11:35-38 lists the things that happened to the Lord’s faithful in years gone by. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) ….” One’s life ending in a cruel death is not what people desire. Yet, these folks died such deaths, knowing that they would have a “better resurrection”! They understood that true meaning and purpose in life is not found here on earth but with God!

            Hebrews 11:35-38 is one section of Scripture where we see the vision of the faithful. Their principles would not allow them to forsake the Lord. Therefore, they accepted the consequences of being the friend of God and an enemy of the world (cf. Jas. 4:4; Jn. 15:18-20). Hebrews 11:13-15 certainly applies to them because they, like Abraham, Noah, and others, “now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” The man who has his eyes only upon the “here and now” will not have the vision necessary to see the “city” that is yet to come! Let us thank God for those who were faithful to the very taking of their lives and died in service to God. 

Conclusion

            As we witness the realities of what our predecessors have endured for God and the cause of Christ, let us take a moment to examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5). Are we truly faithful to the Lord? Does I Corinthians 15:58 describe us? If not, why not? Are we standing strong and enduring (Matt. 10:22; Eph. 6:10)? If not, why not? Let us not compare our struggles to those of the martyrs, but rather learn from their unwavering faith and commitment. As the apostle said, we have not yet 'resisted unto blood' (Heb. 12:4), and we pray it will not be so in this land. However, many are enduring such trials and afflictions to this day. Let us pray for them and then prepare ourselves.

            May the words of Hebrews 10:38-39 ring in our ears and settle in our hearts so that we live it in our lives! The Holy Spirit said, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Endnotes:

1. Bercot, David, Will The Real Heretics Please Stand Up, p. 2

A "Daily" Religion

“A “Daily” Religion”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 After preaching the sermon about “A Daily Religion” last week, someone asked me if I had ever looked at this from another perspective and considered the many times God emphasized things being done “daily.” This proved to be an interesting study. There are things we ought to do “daily,” but I also saw warnings of wickedness that can occur “daily.” With this in mind, I thought it appropriate to write down some of these “daily” things found in God’s book. I pray this study will be helpful to our dear readers.

 “Daily” Cross-Bearing

            Luke records these words, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Lk. 9:23). Jesus made it clear that if we will “come after” Him, we need to take up our cross “daily” and follow Him. The “cross” was a device used for capital punishment in those days. When Jesus said, “Take up your cross,” those folks knew that following Jesus was not for the weak or those who are not genuinely committed to Him. It is not a one-time thing or something to be done when the mood is right. It is a daily, personal decision to follow Jesus wherever He goes, especially when it is difficult (Ps. 23:4)! Are you bearing your “cross” daily?

 

“Daily” Additions

            One of the most uplifting verses in the Bible is Acts 2:47. “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” This continuous growth of the Lord’s body, which began with 3000 and continued having daily additions, is a testament to the power of daily preaching and teaching (Acts 2:42-46). It gives us hope and encouragement that when we are willing to “plant” and “water” (I Cor. 3:6), there will be an “increase.” Acts 2:47 shows us that there will be a “daily” increase when we plant and water “daily”! How are we doing in this area? To whom have we taught the gospel lately?

 

“Daily” Study

            Another group of people who deserve special mention are the Christians who lived in Berea. Acts 17 tells us that after about three weeks of preaching, Paul was driven from Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-10). He then went to Berea, preached, and found these people receptive to the truth. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

            I am impressed with these people. When Paul came to town to preach, they didn’t blindly accept his word but compared it to the Scriptures. They studied daily (no doubt because Paul was preaching daily) and learned the truth. They were complimented as being “noble” or “fair-minded” for doing so. How “fair-minded” are we? Friend, how often do you spend time in God’s book? Is it daily? If not, why not?

 

“Daily” Temptations

            In addition to the above, I find that there were Bible heroes who were tempted daily. Do you feel like you are tempted daily? Why did you answer the way you did? The Bible is filled with records of people who were tempted to sin and what decisions they made in light of such treatment.

            Remember Samson? He was “vexed daily” by Delilah to tell him the secret to his power (Judg. 16:16). Wouldn’t this wear on a person after a while? It wore on Samson, we know, and he finally confessed (Judg. 16:17)! Mordecai was vexed similarly when he was spoken to daily by those who wanted him to bow to Haman (Est. 2:3-4). Thankfully, he did not submit, but there is no doubt such daily attacks had to wear upon him. King David would lament the daily actions of enemies who sought his harm (Ps. 56:2, 74:22, etc.).

            These are but a few examples of how Satan tries to “devour” us as a “roaring lion” seeks to devour his prey (I Pet. 5:8). Satan tried this with Jesus on multiple occasions (Matt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:13)! Yes, we face temptations daily! The question is, will we yield to the temptations (Jas. 1:14-15), or will we resist Satan (Jas. 4:7-8)? Remember, we must make that decision “daily”! What decisions are you making?

“Daily” Prayer

            Prayer is how man communicates with God. How often are we speaking to Him? David prayed to God when joyous and in the throes of despair (Ps. 86, 88). James would remind Christians that when we are afflicted, we need to pray (Jas. 5:13). Do we talk to God daily? If not, why not? Why would we not speak to the Creator of the universe who loves us and sent Christ to die as a sacrifice for us (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8)?

            Where is prayer on your list or priorities? Should not prayer be a daily practice? In our Bible reading and study, God speaks to us, and in our prayers, we reciprocate by speaking to Him! How can we benefit from authentic communication with God if we make prayer a low priority and not a daily practice?

 

“Daily” Death

            This may seem like a strange point to make, but it is what Paul said about himself in I Corinthians 15:31. “I die daily.” How is it that someone can die “daily”? Isn’t death something that happens only once to man?

            It would be good to be reminded that the word “death” means a separation. Physical death occurs when the soul is separated from the body (Jas. 2:26). However, other separations occur in the Scriptures that God describes as a “death” (Gen. 2:15-17, 3:23-24; Lk. 15:24, 32; Col. 3:3; etc.). In this case, Paul stating that he dies “daily” would imply that he is continuing to separate himself from something, would it not? As we all must, Paul needed to separate himself from temptations and sin (Heb. 12:1). Paul needed to separate himself from the lusts of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (I Jn. 2:15-17). He needed to separate himself from those wanting to bring him back to the kingdom of Satan (Phil. 3:7-8, 13-14).

            There are many things from which we need to separate ourselves! “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (I Cor. 15:33). Remember that this verse was not explicitly written for teens but for people of all ages to make sure we are aware of who influences us. There is a “death” we must die “daily” when it comes to our separation from this world and its lusts and drawing closer to God (Jas. 4:8)! Have you made that commitment?

 

Conclusion

            Is it not amazing to take a moment and consider the “daily” religion that God expects us to follow? God emphasizes the “daily” aspect of religion and temptation in many places in Scripture. Thus, we understand that religion is more a deed done at a specific moment in time. It is a lifestyle (Jas. 1:26-27). It demands our time, our choices, our words, our deeds, and, yes, our life!

            Are you engaged in a “daily” religion for God? If not, why not? If you want to begin this “daily” religion and follow in the footsteps of Christ and many Bible heroes, then start by becoming a Christian. You can become a child of God by believing that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24), repenting of your sin (Lk. 13:3), confessing Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Upon becoming a Christian, your new life, your religious life, can begin! Are you ready to engage in a “daily” religion?