The Balance of Power

Do you remember the old science experiment where you were given a scale and several objects trying to find the ones that balanced on the scale correctly. It was a matter of trial and error. If the object on one side was heavier, the scales would tip toward that object. If it was too light, the scale wouldn’t move towards a balanced position. Until it was just right and the two trays evened out. Seems like a good metaphor for life. Without balance we can tip to one side or the other. Without something or someone to hold us accountable, the balance of power rests in our own thoughts and designs. Too much influence from outside forces and the balance of power shifts. It’s a matter of finding the right balance and the right influences. To find the right things to keep us accountable in this life. But that’s the difficult part, right? We don’t like to be held accountable. We don’t like to be told we’re wrong. Or maybe we don’t like losing the control we have over our lives. 

The truth is for us today is that accountability helps us develop a sense of responsibility. It also promotes integrity and protects us from making poor decisions. What’s more, learning to examine ourselves keeps us honest and humble (In Touch MInistries, Our Personal Accountability). Being held accountable can be a powerful tool within our lives. It can keep us on the right track and maybe even keep us from making mistakes. It also helps to remind us that one day we will be held accountable for the life we lived. Paul wrote to the Roman church that we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:10b-12 NIV).

The balance of power within our lives is hard. There are so many things trying to pull us away and out of balance. What we can center ourselves and rest on is that we aren’t the ones that hold the power in the first place. True balance comes from understanding that we serve a Mighty God who holds all things in His hands. He holds the power. And what we’re trying to keep in balance is with His power not the other way around. One day we will have to account for our lives. How we live matters. Are your scales balanced?