The Out of Balance BelieverSýnishorn

Be well-balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 – Amplified Bible

If you are like me, you have read or heard today’s scripture, written by Peter, a thousand times. It is great advice and is the focus of many sermons, Bible studies, and devotions. I wonder, however, how many of us understand what being well-balanced really means.

There was a time when I thought being well-balanced meant eating right, exercising, drinking water, and getting plenty of rest. While these contribute to balanced living, they are not absolute. Balance is far more complex than watching what we put in our mouths or how much physical activity and sleep we get. Balance is achieving, and maintaining, a state of moderation and harmony in every area of our lives.

When something is unbalanced, it does not operate as intended. The uneven distribution of weight causes one object to bear the burden of another. This generates strain. Over time, the weight-bearing object becomes overworked and tired, creating a weakened, vulnerable state that opens the door to unintended consequences. This is what Peter is referring to in scripture when he warns of the enemy, the devil, roaming like a lion, seeking to seize and devour its prey.

Lions are stealthy, calculated creatures who exhibit great patience. Lions lie in wait for hours before charging unsuspecting herds. At the right time, they launch a surprise attack, causing the herd to disperse in panic — leaving the weaker animals exposed and vulnerable. Our enemy is as patient as a lion. He watches us in silence as we work in excess. He sees our depleted energy from taking on too many volunteer opportunities at school and church. He observes us expending our attention on our children, thus ignoring our spouses. He knows when we are weak, overwhelmed, and exhausted; he knows when we reach the point at which we can no longer protect ourselves. That is when he attacks our health, mind, finances, relationships, and family.

We have all experienced seasons of unbalance; however, we can avoid them in the future by asking God to reveal the vulnerable areas in our lives that open the door to the enemy. God is faithful. Scripture tells us that He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). Couple this promise with vigilance and caution, and we are guaranteed the strength and poise to come out victorious when the rest of the herd scatters.