MODERATION

Even something good can become a stumbling block if it goes unregulated. 

Practicing 'moderation' helps us avoid behavior that can cripple our walk of faith. The term is related to the 'self-control' listed in Galatians 5:22-23 ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such, there is no law.

A life under the spiritual discipline of 'restraint' is important. The Bible teaches that wallowing in excess makes you vulnerable. Paul expressed it this way ... Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible, but I will not be enslaved by anything [allowing it to control me]. (1 Corinthians 6:12 Amp)

Today's reprobate culture appeals to our latent carnal nature, advancing the lie that what we need is more pleasure, more stuff, more entertainment. If we allow 'moderation' to lie dormant, 'the lust of the flesh and the pride of life' gain control. 

Tim Challies - Moderation is the Christian’s duty but, even better, the Christian’s joy. We find that excess and austerity offer the promise of joy but invariably fail to deliver it. It is when we enjoy God’s gifts in God’s terms that we experience the highest pleasures we can attain on this side of heaven. 

There is one area where we don’t need to worry about moderation; our relationship with God. No limits are to be enforced at all ... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. (Luke 10:27)

Freedom in Christ doesn’t give us the right to do what we please ... but to do what pleases Him.