Desirability of Being Well-Balanced 

Character refers to one’s temperament or disposition. Developing a well-balanced character is crucial, especially in today’s world, where we are constantly bombarded with information and pressured by rapid technological and social changes. Living successfully among others requires adapting to diverse needs and challenges, which can often feel overwhelming. Pursuing a balanced character can provide stability and resilience amid life’s demands and uncertainties.

Jesus first counseled his audience about their vocation in life and the work that they did in the world. Now, as then, having a job is necessary for most people, and it is good to master a particular skill or trade. Jesus taught that the will of God can be done in any earthly occupation. But he cautioned about "overspecialization." For example, if someone is a computer programmer but is only good at one computer language, they may be left behind when the need for that particular language shifts. Overspecialization can limit flexibility and adaptability in a changing job market.

It is always a good idea to have proficiency in a wide range of skills for any field of work. Moreover, it is highly valuable for individuals to develop a broad cultural understanding of life in all its diversity. Truly educated individuals are not content to remain unaware of the experiences and actions of others.

Jesus taught that while virtue is to be desired, it can become a vice if it is carried to extremes. Diligence in one’s work is certainly a virtue. But, if one is so diligent in their approach to work that they become a "workaholic," such a virtue can damage their well-being. A balance of work, rest, and play is a healthy approach. Likewise, honesty is a virtue. But, if one takes the virtue of honesty to its extremes, it can become tactless and hurtful to others. One of the fruits of the spirit is "enlightened honesty," indicating that one must temper their honesty with spiritual enlightenment, bringing constructive help rather than hurt feelings.

Jesus always preached temperance and taught consistency – proportionate adjustment to life problems. Ultimately, self-mastery and emotional equilibrium serve as stabilizers in life. They allow us to address problems in a way that neither underestimates nor exaggerates their impact, leading to proportionate, manageable solutions that keep us grounded and well-equipped to move forward. We develop solid problem-solving habits that provide us with a consistent and measured, step-by-step process that can help us find long-term solutions to day-to-day problems that arise.

Jesus pointed out that excessive sympathy and pity for the plight of others, though well-intentioned, can undermine our emotional stability. A balanced approach to compassion, where empathy is paired with healthy boundaries and self-care, allows for sustainable support of others without sacrificing personal well-being. If we become unstable, we will be of little value to others. Our loving service to others should enhance our self-worth, not diminish it. Jesus exhorted his followers to show sympathy towards others without being overly emotional and exhibit righteousness without being "self-righteous."

Enthusiasm for any pursuit, when taken to extremes, can be harmful to one's character. An example of this can be seen in our modern era in sports. When we see fans becoming violent or aggressive, this is an unhealthy and harmful expression of enthusiasm. In fact, the word "fan" is a derivative of "fanaticism." So, no matter what or who we are devoted to, it is wise to ground one’s enthusiasm in reality and reason.

Jesus also warned against "the dangers of the dullness of overconservative mediocrity." A strong and balanced character will embrace change. Resistance to change leads to mediocrity – never rising above the average – by stifling one’s ability to adapt to change. In this modern era of rapid change, it is wise to be flexible and able to pivot in the face of new opportunities and challenges.

Jesus also spoke about the dangers of courage and faith and how they sometimes lead unthinking souls to recklessness and presumption. If one is a mountain climber and proficient in those skills, it might be easy for them to presume that they can do anything – climb any mountain with ease. Such a courageous soul may ignore signs of danger and take unnecessary risks, leaving themselves open to injury or worse. Courage should always be tempered with wisdom and humility.

A faith that is not rooted in spiritual reality can also bring risks. In his discourse on true religion, Jesus taught us to embrace the religion of the spirit, which entails active and dynamic participation of mind and soul in the faith adventure of progressive human experience in liaison with the indwelling spirit of God. Jesus taught that we should have faith in God that is free from fear and superstition. This is in contrast to the merely passive faith required for the religions of authority. That kind of faith, while still recognized by the Father, deprives the believer of the joy and sense of achievement that comes from personal and progressive spiritual discovery.

Jesus also showed how prudence and discretion, when carried too far, lead to cowardice and failure. If we are always overly cautious, we can easily become paralyzed with fear; such an attitude will only lead to defeat. When we live in accordance with the will of God, we eventually will learn to trust ourselves and our choices, knowing that mistakes are inevitable in life but often are nothing more than opportunities for growth.

When we choose to cooperate with the spark of the heavenly Father within us, we can live lives of originality and freedom before God while living a balanced, normal, productive, and happy life. Our spiritual originality and personal uniqueness should enhance our life without appearing odd or eccentric. We are not necessarily of the world, but our balanced characters should enhance our ability to live successfully in the world.