Marks of Maturity
The Marks of Maturity Series was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Five

The Balanced Life

Introduction: God desires his people to be properly balanced in all things. This can be seen in (Prov. 11:1, 16:11, 20:23). There are many things that appear to be contradictions in the Word of God that are not at all, but rather the proper perspective is given from both sides. Some of the things we should be balanced in are listed below:

 

A. Fear - The Bible says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 9:10,17). This fear is also recommended in (Prov. 14:26; 28:14). On the other hand God says we should not be afraid of some things. (Prov. 3:21, 26; 29:25; Heb. 13:6).

B. Hate - There are some things that God says we are to hate (Prov. 8:13). At the same time God expects us to use common sense in perspective and keep the hate balanced with love (Prov. 10:12). Jesus was the perfect example of how this is done.

C. Speech - On many occasions God reminds us that we would be better off by keeping our mouths shut (Prov. 10:19, 11:9, 13:3, 17:27,28 and 29:11,20). The Word is also quick to remind us that words properly used can be of God (Prov. 10:20,21; 12:14; 15:1, 2,4,7; 16:23,24; 25:11).

D. Wealth - Money is something that can be a curse or a blessing. A great deal of that has to do with how it was acquired and what the heart motives behind the money is. The negative aspects of money are revealed in (Prov. 13:11, 15:27; 21:6; 23:4; 28:6). The Word makes it plain that God is interested in His children financially, providing their motives are pure (Prov. 3: 9,10; 14:21; 19:17; 22:9). The matter is well consummated in (Prov. 13:7,8; 11:24).

E. Judgment - The primary principle that is set forth is don't do anything in haste. Allow yourself time to hear all the facts. Listen with a prudent ear (Prov. 14:15; 16:32; 17:9; 18:5,13; 25:8,28; 28:5).

F. Work - Most people in America have little to fear when it comes to working too much. God endorses the idea of work and suggests that everyone ought to do their fair share of it (Prov. 6:6-11, 10:4,5; 12:11; 13:4; 20:4). However, there still is such a thing as a workaholic and that also presents a form of vanity (Ecc. 3:9-13). The purest form of folly is to work hard to gain the possessions of the world and ignore spiritual issues. (Lk 12:16-21).

G. Pride - The Word of God has a great deal to say about the negative aspects of pride. The pride discussed in Proverbs is a confidence in the arm of flesh. God never wants us to depend upon ourselves for solutions to life (Prov. 11:2,14; 13:10; 16:5,18,19; 20:6; 21:4; 27:2; 29:23). There is never really an occasion where God suggests that pride is a good thing to have according to the Biblical definition just listed. However, a spirit filled Christian can eminent such confidence of the Lord that it is often misconstrued by others as pride. Paul sets forth this confidence in (Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:11; 1 Cor. 14:18; 1 Cor. 4:16).

H. Discipline - There is no doubt that discipline is a missing ingredient in the average American home. God says it is absolutely essential if a child is to grow up to be an emotionally and spiritually healthy person (Prov. 13:24; 15:10; 19:18; 22:5,16; 23:13,14; 29:15,17). However, some people go overboard on discipline like so many other things that desperately need balance. The New Testament sheds some light on this (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).

I. A Merry Heart - Some people do not seem to have the capacity to have a good time or to enjoy life. God says they are in for a rough time of it (Prov. 15:13,15; 17:22). On the other hand life is a great deal more than having a good time and serious moments are recommended by the Lord (Ecc. 3:4).

Same of the serious things that we are to do are:

1. 1.     [1]. Receive instruction - Prov. 1:8, 15:32
          [2]. Exercise discretion - Prov. 2:11; 11:22; 19:11.
          [3]. Work - verses listed in outline.
      

2.         A good balance can be seen in (1 Thess. 5:16,17).
   
   

J. Respect of persons - The Book of Proverbs indicates it is not good to have respect of persons (Prov. 28:21; 24:23). God is certainly no respecter of persons (Ram. 2:11; Eph. 6:9). The sense in which God does not respect persons, is in salvation (Acts 10:34) and judgment (Col 3:24,25). Yet God says there are people and positions that deserve our respect.

1. 1.     [1]. Civil authorities - 1 Peter 2:17; Rom. 13:1-5
          [2]. Employers - Eph. 6:5-8
          [3]. Parents - Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1,2
          [4]. Elders - 1 Tim. 5:1-3,17,18.
      

2. 
   

 

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