The three-legged stool of our witness

It seems to me we have a real problem with balance among the body of believers. The first example of this is the subject of the book I'm reading, "The Grace and Truth Paradox" by Randy Alcorn... but what I want to focus on is the Church's imbalance with regard to its priorities.

It's important for us, as believers, to be committed to personal holiness... that is, placing a priority on being Christlike and not like the world. It's also important for us to serve people and seek social justice around the world, being Christ's hands extended, getting them dirty. And thirdly, it's crucial that we bask in the Lord's presence and seek the power of His Holy Spirit.

But we find ways to prioritize one of these legs and diminish the other two. My observations are, admittedly, generalizations -- but there's enough of a pattern to warrant a double-take.

I've noticed that classic evangelicals and protestants are heavy on personal holiness, moderate on social justice and community service, and light on the Holy Spirit. The emerging church -- the next generation of postmodern, anti-establishment revolutionaries -- is heavy on social justice and community service, moderate on the Holy Spirit and light on personal holiness. Charismatics are heavy on the Holy Spirit, moderate on personal holiness and light on social justice and community service.

The truth is, as believers, we need the stool of our faith to be balanced by all three legs of witness. We are only going to be effective, and truly change the world and ignite revival by being strong in personal holiness, social justice/community service and the Holy Spirit.

It puzzles me that some charismatics can be so close to God in His presence, but then keep it to themselves. It puzzles me that protestants can focus so much on obeying God's law, but miss the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to which the Word refers. It puzzles me that the emerging church can serve and serve and serve, yet behave just like everyone else.

I say this fully knowing that my balance is way out of whack. God, help me to experience your presence. Help me serve Your people. Help me change from within. Amen!