Dynamic Balance
Balance is vital in all things. However, in this ever-changing mortal world, simple static balance is impossible. Even if, in spite of the impossibility of achieving perfection in this mortal world, perfect balance was somehow achieved one day, that balance would be off the next day as the world changes. Thus, balance is a dynamic process which must be constantly reassessed and corrected.
When something is roughly in balance, changes to maintain balance must be subtle to avoid disaster. However, when the world is badly out of balance, drastic actions are necessary to set things right. Caution must always be exercised not to ignore well-balanced aspects of the world because doing so allows that balance to slip or be subverted by evil. Conversely, when drastic action is required to correct problems, it is essential to remain vigilant to avoid overcorrecting and creating a new imbalance.
The principle of dynamic balance applies at all levels. A wise man will keep his own life in balance much like a Just Society will maintain balance between competing interests. The details, mechanisms, and correct balance point will inevitably vary from topic to topic, as well as at different levels, but the underlying principle of dynamic balance remains true.
This is particularly complex in a Just Society which must maintain balance between parts of the government; between the people, government, and corporations; as well as between the many special interests which make up society. Every one of these facets of society has its own interests which will wreak havoc if allowed to run amok, and corrupt men will always be seeking to form coalitions to subvert the checks and balances intended to prevent disaster. Thus, wise men must remain vigilant in their maintenance of dynamic balance so this subversive evil cannot take root, or, if that fails, take drastic measures to purge it while remaining self-aware enough to ensure they don’t go too far and create a new problem through excessive zealotry.
To give a personal and enduring example, the correct balance between God and the material world will vary over the course of a good man’s life. As a child, God is essential to develop the morals and values that underly a good life, while the material world is primarily the responsibility of his parents. As a young man, the material world becomes more important since he must establish himself in the world and create the conditions which will allow him to support a family. As a father, the balance will partially shift back towards God since he must instruct his children to continue his legacy. And finally, as an old man, his focus will return solely to God as he returns his wisdom to society, instructing children in the ways of God and young men in the ways of the world so they can go on to outshine him on Earth and in Heaven.