Harmony

In wine making, balance means the degree to which all the attributes of a wine are in harmony with none either too prominent or deficient. In fine arts, balance involves the composition or placement of elements of design (e.g., figures, forms, colors, etc.) in such a manner as to produce an aesthetically pleasing or harmoniously integrated whole.

Taking those two ideas and sort of combining them gives us the idea that balance involves harmony achieved when each part of the whole holds its proper amount, and all the elements work to create a harmonious state. Harmony gets at the idea of balance quite well, especially when we consider harmony within and its relation to our outer state.

The Bible on Balance

What does the Bible tell us about balance? It tells us that:

  1. Balance involves timing. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
  2. Trusting God brings balance. (Matthew 6:31-34)
  3. God’s word helps us adjust to maintain balance. (2 Peter 3:17)
  4. Our thoughts impact our ability to balance. (Philippians 4:8-9)
  5. Money and things can easily disrupt our balance. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
  6. We can receive peace and courage from God to help us maintain balance. (John 16:31-33)
  7. Balance involves avoiding what is too distracting. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
  8. Keeping worries and cares to ourselves creates imbalance. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
  9. Being purposeful about rest has a tremendous impact on our ability to stay balanced. (Mark 6:30-31; Genesis 2:2-4)
  10. Seeking God to help us adjust our thinking makes all the difference in maintaining balance. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

We know God is the author of peace, not of chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33), and we know Jesus came to restore peace (Romans 5:1). Knowing these truths tells me he desires us to live in balance and to have harmony and peace in our lives. He wants it so much that He provides the way for that to happen. This doesn’t mean life will be perfect, but it does mean we can have peace, harmony, and balance even when living in the chaos and imbalance of this world.