I must admit that Freak Alley in Boise surprised me. Our grandson Josh and his girlfriend Kate led us to this L-shaped alley that featured dozens of paintings on the buildings’ walls. Frankly, some was incomprehensible, except for a pic and quote of Jimi Hendrix that impressed me. But then the one above captivated me: a half empty alcohol bottle laying down, the top half containing positive traits like love, happiness, peace, freedom, and joy. But the bottom half held traits like fear, dirty, pain, envy, captive, doubt, and hate.
A powerful pictorial metaphor of the need for moderation, and instantly the proverb “Moderation in all things” came to mind. And a lot of truth resides in it. Alcohol can bring pleasure and relaxation, unless you drink too much. Eating keeps us alive, but too much can lead to serious health issues. Even exercise can be taken too far. But the saying helps us exhibit our freedom. Moderation: a good trait. But is it always?
When Pepperdine paid me to debate in college and taught me to how, I learned a valuable lesson. Explore all sides of an issue. Know the pros and cons of them all. So, thanks to Peppy Tech, let’s look at the other facets of this gem of moderation.
A second dimension is to avoid all things that God in his wisdom and love forbids. He’s God, we’re not, and he best knows how a fulfilling life should be lived. Or, we avoid moderation in our obedience. Limited obedience reflects a limited respect for God, a limited commitment, and a significantly limited growth in our faith. To quote my pastor Chris Brown from this week’s message, “Partial obedience makes slaves of us all.” Balance this with the reality the most devout follower of Jesus will still sin, so we’ll never be sinless. But we should sin less. We should acknowledge them as failings and work with God’s Spirit in that area.
Another area to transcend moderation digs deeper into our very being. Let’s not be moderate in acknowledging who’s our boss—ourselves, or God? Really, this forms the foundation for all aspects of moderation. What to avoid. What to embrace. What to do in measured doses. Let’s look at what Jesus said trumps all, in several places.
When asked about what command God most values: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Pretty clear, go all in.
When large crowds began to follow him, he talked about the cost: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple…In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27, 33. Please read the entire chapter to gain the context). Once more, pretty clear, that Jesus wants followers who are wholly devoted to him.
Does that mean perfection? If so, none would qualify. But may we say to God, from the depths of our heart, I believe, help my unbelief. May this be the cry of our hearts.
Kick Starting the Application
Think about how you match up to the words above. What changes can you make to see God smile?