The Importance of Moderation for Christians

Moderation is important for everyone, but I think it is especially important for Christians who are trying to grow spiritually. It became rather apparent to me when I was speaking to a friend about a concern I had regarding my relationship with my husband. They have their own concerns in their relationship, and I thought it was funny that it was about something that is the complete opposite side of my concern.

The Bible doesn't actually speak specifically about moderation that I can find. In fact, "Moderation in all things" is widely thought to be from the Bible mistakenly. It does say we should be temperate though; which means not being extreme or excessive.

When you think about it, almost every good quality that people try to develop can be corrupted into something unhealthy if taken to an extreme. Love, which is one of the most important things we are to do for others, taken to an extreme can become obsessive, possessive, and jealousy inducing.

Being charitable can become bad when you give everything and don't provide for your own. Someone who doesn't provide for their own family before giving to others is not fulfilling the role they have. The other side is not being charitable at all, which shows selfishness and greed.

I am sure I could go on showing example of people who do too much, who take it to the extreme and end up doing more harm than good.

Not only should we strive to have the right level in all things; I think we have to work at not focusing too much on any one thing. Someone who focuses solely on work will start to neglect things at home. If any of you are workaholics or are married to one, then you know that sometimes you put work first even when your family needs you. While work puts food on the table, are we serving our family best by not giving them the time they deserve? I know my kids would rather see you for an extra hour than have you bring in an extra ten dollars on your check. Even God took a day of rest after he worked for six creating the heavens and earth.

It is an ongoing struggle to be all we are supposed to be without going overboard. Some of us are just geared to be more extreme in our thoughts and actions than others; it just means we have to work a bit harder to get to the same place.

Resources
Day 65 - The Fruit We Should Be Cultivating Spiritually

Blue Letter Bible - Sayings Not Found In Scripture

Merriam Webster - Temperate