Meditation on Moderation

                                                                        Philippians 4:5

                             Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

                                                         
As we continue our meditation on Philippians 4, let's aim our focus on verse 5.  The word that jumps out at me is moderation. I always think of moderation when I'm trying to diet, you know the whole cutting back on sweets, bread, and junk food, thing?  No fun, huh? That's what our everyday usage of the word entails--restraint or temperance. It's choosing to be disciplined in order to attain a goal or reap a benefit. Whether it's budgeting to buy a house, or embarking upon a new exercise and diet routine, moderation opens the door to achieve that goal.

In the Strong's Greek dictionary, moderation is known as being gentle, mild, forbearing (patient and restrained), fair, reasonable, and moderate. Wow! This takes it a step further from not just being disciplined, but also our attitude while being disciplined.

So what is Paul telling us in this passage? To walk in a spirit of meekness. I like to think of it as "grace under pressure". This is Christlike character and conduct. Our character is a reflection of motives and morals, our ways and means of living our lives and dealing with people and situations. The more we live a life surrendered to God and His Word, His Character is formed within us. He gives us His ability to not only do right, but to be right, from the inside, out. This enables us to be the salt and light disciples to a culture that is yearning for the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19


Heavenly Father:

Lord I thank you for your long suffering towards us. As we go through the progression of moderation, help us to be mindful that it's Christ in us, the hope of glory, that will enable us to walk in godly character, good reputations, and examples in righteousness. In Jesus Name, Amen.