| Moderation |
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-especially now that all my kids are of school age. It is a time to leave home, work, and school behind. Have you ever heard the saying "The lazy days of summer"? We definitely love the break from our normal routine. How about you? What I’ve discovered, though, is that these "lazy days" can sometimes be misleading. When I have thrown moderation out the door and lived freely it has gotten me into trouble. I have discovered that the best times for spiritual growth are times when I have kept my guard up and used moderation in my life. There should never be a time when we, as Christians, let down our guards and relax the tension that should be there between us and the world. We are always to be alert, watchful for the enemy, who tries to get a foothold in our lives. Moderation, self control, and restraint are crucial in a Christian’s life. "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life." Prov. 4:23 NASB "See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:15 NKJV How many of you love to sleep in when you get a chance? I think I should be able to sleep in right now because during the school year I do not have one morning out of the week to sleep without keeping one eye on the clock. At the same time, I am finding it difficult to find the time to have my quiet time with God. I know God wants me to give up some of my sleep to spend time with Him. But have I told you how much I love to sleep in? "Do not love sleep, or you will become poor" Prov 20:13a NASB I continue to pray for God to strengthen me in this area. It is interesting to note that when you read through the Psalms and Proverbs you will find sleep mentioned alongside laziness (Prov. 6:6-11). Too much sleep is not good for the body, as is too little. Moderation is key. Ice cream is another one of my downfalls. I love all the different flavor combinations, especially at Cold Stone (I prefer the strawberry blonde with half cake batter/half strawberry ice cream, a little extra caramel on top with the whipped cream, but I digress). I think I should be able to eat it every night because the weather is warm. I also don’t feel like doing my regular exercise because my kids are home (I could get up early and get my exercise in too, what a thought!). Maybe tonight I will watch a movie. So what if it has foul language and questionable content. Should I allow that in my life or use moderation in that area? I should only allow godly content in (garbage in, garbage out they say). The Bible teaches that to grow spiritually we need to learn to restrain our passions and appetites. In 1 Peter chapter one Peter teaches about "fruitful growth in the faith". In verse 6 self-control is mentioned. Starting with verse 5 "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love." (Emphasis mine) My John MacArthur study Bible notes tell me that self-control here means ""holding oneself in". In Peter’s day, self-control was used of athletes who were to be self-restrained and self-disciplined. Thus, a Christian is to control the flesh, the passions, and the bodily desires, rather than allowing himself to be controlled by them (Compare with 1 Cor 9:27 "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.") Moral excellence, guided by knowledge, disciplines desire and makes it the servant, not the master, of one’s life." Wow! So moderation, self-control, restraint, and discipline are crucial for Christians so that we can be grow and be used by God for His purpose and His glory. We need to look for ways to honor God and use moderation in all areas of our lives. God wants our thoughts and the quiet hidden areas of our hearts, too. Beloved, won’t you surrender yourself to Him today? "Dear Lord, show me those areas where I need more moderation. Show me those appetites and passions that are not pleasing to you. Strengthen me to control myself and ultimately bring more glory to you. I want my life to be a testimony to others of your power and grace. Amen." |
