The homeostasis of Christianity

The definition of homeostasis is a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population or group.

When I think of homeostasis I think positive and negative feedback loops to maintain equilibrium in the human body. Interestingly enough just as it keeps our bodies stable, functional and healthy, the homeostasis of the Christian faith is what keeps us healthy and strong in our faith.

This idea that everything had to live in tension or balance with each other was first presented to me in my Post-Exilic Prophets class by my prof korkidakis (wise man!) As a christian, with the world surrounds us and the principles that Christs teaches us, it is necessary to keep a balance.

It was really neat and reassuring that there was not just one man who had this thought, but I was reminded about living in this balance, tension, homeostasis in a bible study that I recently joined at Conestoga. We are going through the sermon on the mount and got to the part of;

"eye for eye, and tooth for tooth"
"walk the extra mile"
"hits you on one cheek, let him hit your other"
"takes your cloat, let him have your tunic as well"
All these teaches both have a deeper and lager principle and require balance to maintain what Christ had intended when he said these things.

This balancing act goes way beyond us, just as homeostasis of our bodies is far beyond our capability to manage or understand. Everything that Jesus taught goes way beyond us. So how do we manage to stay within the homeostasis equilibrium of Christianity? Wisdom, lots of wisdom and lots of dependence.

"And if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him"
-James

Everything that we do: our time management,our actions, relationships and so many other matters require balance. To far one side we are being part of the world, to far the other way we are start acting as legalists and lose the Cross of Christ. In every part of our lives we require to have balance to able to live in the world but not of the world, to follow Christ. This balance act is not a one time thing, not a one time show, but a day by day, moment by moment dependence on him to show you how to maintain the homeostasis of Christianity.