You have likely noticed that they put two stirrups on a saddle. The reason for this is quite clear when you think about it. There is a danger of falling of a horse on either side of the animal. Proper use of those two stirrups is essential to maintaining your balance in the saddle. I have never become proficient at riding a horse and that is no real great loss in life; however, attempting to maintain a balance in life in general, is a thing that I have wrestled with for years, and it is a big thing.
I also believe that this is a great issue for believers in Jesus Christ. Somehow we must learn to walk through this world without being captured by this world and it’s allurements. Christ spoke of this matter often; I will cite just two New Testament sections:
Luke 9:24
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
I would like to approach this from the perspective of personal interests. It is so easy to be driven through life by our personal interests rather than following the mission and business that Christ has called us to. This text would indicate that the best thing we can do in our own personal interest is to surrender our personal interests. Doing that without becoming an irresponsible derelict is a matter of balance. Throughout my life and ministry I have seen folks falling off both sides of this metaphorical horse. And I admit to the difficulty I have in attempting to find a balance in these things.
It seems to me that the key to balance here is walking closely with the Savior through His Word, listening to the instruction of the Word and allowing our conscience to be washed by His Word.
This is not an insignificant thing because we all acknowledge that in the end there will be an examination of these matters. We call that time the Judgment Seat of Christ. Another verse that helps us with this is this:
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
God help us to stay safely in the saddle!
