Balance people... Balance.

I've used the title - But what about meeee? - before, and though this isn't the title of this post... it really will seem like I'm just using different words for the same message. Perhaps, but I believe that sometimes a title/focus has more than one application. 

Regardless, what about you? First... does everything in your life HAVE to be about you? And when you find out what it's all about you... what are you going to do with that information? Primarily - why? Why? Why do you need to be the center of attention - especially when the 'issue' is outside of you, in areas that you've not become a part? A case of sidelines coaching (typically without all the information)?

The other part of that title is: 'What's in it for me?' Many people don't want to be involved with (fill in the blank) unless they get something from their involvement. As a Christian, where are you on this continuum of 'what about me' and selflessness? That question, in case you wondered - IS important.

When I talk about 'balance', this post reflects this dichotomy we sometimes find ourselves facing. Balance doesn't mean to be mindless of yourself. You need to see you as the Lord sees you... not as man sees, or even yourself. But if you never see a 'bigger' view of you, from the Lord's standpoint - what do you see? Where are you heading? What are you learning? Who are you, precisely, do you see you as the Lord does? What do you do, precisely, that brings honor and glory to Him? Do you know?

Simple example: Matthew 8: 19-22

   "Then [on His way to board the boat] a scribe [who was a respected and authoritative interpreter of the Law] came and said to Him, 'Master, I will accompany You [as Your student] wherever You go.' Jesus replied to him, 'Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.' Another of the disciples said to Him, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father (collect my inheritance).' But Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me [believing in Me as Master and Teacher], and allow the [spiritually] dead to bury their own dead.'” 

We sometimes misunderstand what scripture is saying. It wasn't until I read this passage in the Amplified version that I saw a different teaching, a different perspective which made all the difference. (It's the underlining that begins to provide a different perspective.)

When I talk about 'balance', I'm speaking to this apparent oxymoron or opposing understanding of an issue. When you find a scripture that appears to be at odds with other teachings - since scripture confirms itself, it never is contrary or opposite to other scriptures - stop and reassess. Read the 'opposing' scriptures in various versions to get a fuller understanding.

Too often it is the first scripture we've read that appears contrary to what is being read now. Always remember they aren't different... now becomes the time of discovery of what actually is being said/taught. Also, if it is someone that is quoting the differing scripture - don't attack them, jointly discover the truth. It really isn't being hidden.

Do you seek balance in your life? Do you experience balance? Is it important? I would add the caveat that balance is never compromise. Compromise will only hurt you in the end because too often it's a form of deception and confusion.