“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Philippians 4:5
Temperance, or continual moderation, is too unsung of a virtue. According to the Lord, the state of keeping a due mean between extremes or excess of violence ought to be the centerpiece on our table, the badge on our lapel, and the trait we are best known for. For true moderation in strength will never turn into a humble-brag.
The Lord wants us to prove that we can handle ourselves in the mountain-highs and the valley-lows. We think we thrive in certain situations; I have heard as many people gloat in the valley as the mountain. God’s nearness to us should bring a calm poise, a steady hand, a tender heart in every state. I believe He seeks a demonstration, or rather a mastery of moderation.
He seeks for one who is base to be bold. (2 Cor. 10:1)
He seeks for a dove to be a serpent. (Matt. 10:16)
He seeks a revivalist to give a eulogy.
He seeks a street-preacher to be a hospice chaplain.
The apologist must be a good listener.
The professor must be a junior church worker.
The scholar must be a ‘thank-you note’ writer.
The trowel must be as handy as the weapon.
Like Peter, carry a sword, but feed the sheep.
Like David, slay the giant, but write a song.
Like Paul, exercise freedom, but make yourself a servant.
Now, re-read the list; reversing all the traits: that is moderation.
If we live out this one verse, this one virtue, we will not have to tell everyone how moderate we are; we shall be able to show them.
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
1 Corinthians 9:22
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