Go get a ruler and find out just how long either 10 centimeters or 4 inches is. Go ahead. I’ll wait. (In case you didn’t get a ruler, I’ll give you a visual: an iPhone is longer than 4 inches.)
Why is this important? Because that’s how wide a balance beam is. When gymnasts are turning, hopping, leaping and jumping on one, they only have 4 inches to make a solid landing.
On such a narrow beam, they have to stay focused. One wrong step and they fall.
Isn’t that one of the reasons why we are fascinated by gymnasts? Be honest, most of us fall off just trying to balance on a curb on the side of the road. How they manage to accomplish those routines is amazing.
Following Jesus is like walking a balance beam. “Let your eyes look straight ahead and your sight be focused in front of you. Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure. Do not lean to the right or to the left. Walk away from evil” (Proverbs 4:25-27).
Evil is all around you, wanting you to fall off of God’s path. Use the Holy Spirit’s power to stay focused and to keep your feet on the beam. Don’t even think about leaning one way or the other, because falling hurts.
The best part of our balance-beam life? God is there helping us stay on the narrow way. And thanks to Jesus, we get a perfect score.
