Extreme. Balance.

Still testing the whole teeter totter theory...(see two earlier posts)

I was reading a book the other day that said Christians like to balance grace with the law. Does that mean measure out some grace? Measure an equal part of the law. Stir until well blended?

As humans do we try to balance things by mixing? It may seem easier that way. Once mixed we only have to hold one thing. 

Yet God illustrates balance using extremes. More like a teeter tooter than a mixing bowl. Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. (Not a mixed breed, new creature hybrid.) He is the alpha and omega--first and last--beginning and end. He is grace and truth, truth and love.

As Christ walked through the lamp stands in His Revelation to John, He challenged the church of Laodecia to be either hot or cold--not lukewarm.  Hot and cold each have healing properties. A mixture makes a tepid drink.  Jesus said, "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot or cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16 NASB.

Questions? I have many. Answers? I'm still digging. But it seems that once again, we must rely on our God to be our fulcrum and our extremes. Ecclesiastes 3:1 CJB tells us that "For everything there is a season,a right time for every intention under heaven."

I recognize that there is a place for both grace and the law as with hot and cold. It is my desire to be both hot and cold for the purpose of healing. Not mixed so that I become lukewarm, but at "the right time for every intention under heaven." I will embrace both the Old and the New Testaments. And I will acknowledge that Jesus extends grace and does not abolish yet completes the Law. For purposes of healing.

I sure would love to hear your thoughts...

Testing the Teeter Totter Theory

A previous post discussed how I came up with this teeter totter theory. I'm no scientist, but I know theories beg to be tested to decide if the theory can be practiced.

As a short recap, I'm operating under the assumption that God does not create and require without also equipping. I'm also thinking that He provides the platform for us to stand on when He calls us to something. With that in mind, I'm going to look at a few common issues I face as I try to live a life of faith.

I will start out theoretically. In governmental politics as well as religious politics we often talk about the left and the right. The terms right and left are often preceded by adjectives such as extreme, far or moderate. People are often encouraged to take a stand and pick a side.

What does that do to the teeter totter theory?  If the fulcrum is the opinions of the issue, we can get a variety of outcomes based upon the number of people who jump on board on the side of their position. The more people you can get to join you, the better chance you have of tilting things in your favor.

Did anyone besides me ever play that game on the playground? Someone was always trying to leave someone else hanging up there in the air. In order to accomplish that, you'd solicite others to help you hold your end down. Ever been the one left hanging in the air? The only way down was to join the others at the other end, or jump off...or,convince the others to come to your end. That works too and the game goes on until the bell rings.

What happens, however, if the fulcrum is not personal opinions but God's position?

Opinions are about as fickle as weather forecasts in an unstable atmosphere. However, Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

I'm thinking that I'd rather stand

with Christ as my fulcrum.

 

Six Moves...six things learned.

Six moves. Five different states...well, six if you count South Georgia to North Georgia. Twelve years. One family.

As we begin the countdown for move number six, I started thinking about what I have learned over the years about moving.

6~It was easier when I could take my kids with me.

5~They pack everything, so empty all trash cans.

4~The more stuff I have, the longer it takes.

3~Not all moving crews are created equal.

2~Some boxes never get unpacked.

1~God is always in the timing.

This final lesson has been one of the hardest to learn, but most valuable. Sometimes God pauses so I learn patience or of His provision. Other times He performs at head-spinning speeds and I learn of His power and precise placement of particulars. Above all, whether at a snail's pace or hyper speed, I have learned that I can trust Him as the creator and keeper of time.

A lesson I treasure and plan to pack for every move He requires of me.