Economists would define a balanced budget when an entity’s spending matches its revenue during a period of time. If an entity makes more than it spends, it has a budget surplus. But spending more than it makes puts the entity into a budget deficit. Whether that entity is a government, business or a family, the trend today seems to be living in a financial deficit. Achieving a balance or surplus takes preparation and a conscious effort.

If we seek worldly explanation for the failings of businesses or governments to achieve fiscal balance, we can become ensnared in political punditry. Sensationalized opinions are standard for TV news. Networks promote argumentative “talking heads” for the sake of entertainment value. 

Understanding the root cause of the imbalance of this world does not mean we have achieved balance. Seeking equilibrium in our life requires a daily commitment. As Christians, we must always be on guard, always aware of our surroundings and always focused on the goal of pleasing God. Paul spoke of this constant struggle: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The balance each of us MUST achieve can be accomplished through Godly characteristics. By growing closer to God, we become more balanced. Paul also spoke of those Godly characteristics when speaking to Timothy: “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). We must have patience to be led by God, while being humble enough to discern when we are not stable. With that balance, we will know God’s truth—enabling us to enter into His Kingdom.

When Typhoon Haiyan hit land, it was declared to be the strongest recorded cyclone to make landfall on record. It was also the 4th most intense cyclone to ever be observed.  Based upon biblical prophecy, we clearly understand what is in store for a world in complete revolt against God. “But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows” (Mark 13:7-8). This is only the beginning!

It is difficult NOT to become complacent when we are surrounded by such outward rebellion towards God. As a whole, the world has tuned out and completely ignored any semblance of godly knowledge. Because of this, the world is unprepared for the return of Christ, and the judgment He is bringing. We cannot fall into the same state, the same trap with which Satan has so deviously ensnared the entire world.

Speaking about the recent cyclone in the Washington Post, Max Fisher states, “Why wasn’t the Philippines more ready? About 20 tropical cyclones hit the country every year, making it practically a routine. The arrival of typhoon Haiyan was certainly no surprise. Yet supposedly storm-proof shelters were destroyed and foreseeably necessary relief efforts have failed to come together. The single most important factor may be that, quite simply, this storm was just too big.”

Many stockpile silver, gold and food in order to survive world-wide calamities. What ALL survivalists fail to realize is that Christ’s judgment on this planet is simply too big to escape. All of mankind will fall under God’s Judgment—no fortified hole will hide anyone from this occurrence!

What are we stockpiling on a daily basis in order to prepare for the return of Christ? Spiritually, are we amassing the cares of this world or are we building up a stockpile of godly character? We don’t have time to put that question on hold, to get to it later once our own desires are fulfilled. Peter warns us why: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…” (2 Peter 3:10-11). We MUST prepare! And preparing for Christ’s return is only possible if we can “be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).

As we head out from our homes to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, we have been given a promise to ensure our peace of mind. God said, “For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no man shall covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the Lord” (Exodus 34:19 NAS).

We travel in a world whose inhabitants are increasingly more distrustful of each other. Relying on God’s Promise requires an ample amount of faith. That kind of faith requires us to be practicing a way of life—practicing Christianity. If we are expecting God to take care of our possessions, are we likewise fulfilling God’s expectations of us?

We are lights to this world! If we aren’t illuminating all of the dark shadowy places we encounter, then who will? We must always have a Godly attitude—sometimes manifested as a smile to a stranger.

In 1 Samuel 2:1 we read of this attitude. “And Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.'” Continuing in verse 3, “’Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.’” 

God is judging us by weighing the actions of our daily lives. During the next few weeks we have the opportunity to practice this wonderful way of life, especially to those who are blind and living in darkness. If in fact, it is imperative that we do so, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what so you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?” (Matthew 5:46-47). 

We will leave lasting impressions to people we come in contact with during this festival season. Let’s be especially diligent that those impressions point people towards God’s way of life!