Even good things need limits. There are many activities that are reasonable, but only when they’re done in moderation. The same habits that are beneficial in moderate doses can destroy your life when you do them in excess.
For example, eating is necessary to fuel the body, but when it becomes excessive and regularly indulgent, eating not only affects your body composition, but also can wreak havoc on your overall health and hormones.
What about getting sunlight? The sun helps the body manufacture vitamin D and contributes to overall vitality, but excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer and be very harmful.
Another part of life that requires balance is sleep. Of course, sleep is essential for the body to recover from the events of the day, but the Bible teaches us that too much sleep leads to poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11). The other side of the coin from sleep is work. Working hard is a good, God-ordained thing, but without adequate sleep or a day of rest in our work week, we invite the potential of a nervous breakdown and many other mental, emotional, and physical problems. Similarly, video games, TV, social media, and cell phones all have their place, but entertainment can also become addictive and contribute to significant mental and social consequences.
Even talking in excess can bring about major problems. God designed us to communicate verbally. Talking too much, however, is the act of a fool. According to Proverbs 29:11, “a fool uttereth all his mind.” In contrast, Proverbs 21:23 states that “whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
My point is that moderation is one of the keys to a successful spiritual life. Proverbs 23:2 instructs that, “if thou be a man given to appetite,“ you are to “put a knife to thy throat.” In other words, a person with an uncontrolled appetite is to cut himself off from that overindulgence and gluttony.
Whether it’s food, sleep, entertainment, or something else we’re doing in indulgent excess, Philippians 4:5 commands to “let your moderation be known unto all men; the Lord is at hand.” In other words, because Jesus is coming again, let us not be found operating with no limits, living in excess emotionally, relationally, physically, or in any other way. Instead, let your moderation be known unto all men. After all, if you’re living in excess in some area, it’s very likely that your excess is “known to all men” around you. Followers of Christ should NOT be known for their excesses; they should be known for their Spirit-enabled moderation.
Christians should apply biblically informed restraints to all areas of our lives … except one.
The only area in which we don’t need to apply moderation is with God Himself. We are to love God with no limits (Luke 10:27). We can never love Him too much. Instead, the more we ask Him to fill us and guide our lives with His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to live in moderation in all the different areas of our lives.
I’m telling you from personal experience, Biblical moderation is a major key to strength for your life.
The above article was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. He is the pastor of NorthStone Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. To offer him your feedback, comment below or email us at strengthforlife461@gmail.com.
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