"All things in moderation." This phrase is used frequently in our American culture. A little bit of exercise - but all things in moderation. A little bit of a healthy diet - but all things in moderation. A little bit of drinking - but all things in moderation. I can read that, listen to that, watch that, do that, say that, wear that etc - all things in moderation. We think that as long as we are well-rounded, listen to, read, or do things only in moderation that nothing will touch us.
Moderation is compromise. It is saying that as long as I don't do/say/listen to this thing more than a certain arbitrary amount then it's not hurting anything. It's not affecting me, it's not a problem.
The book of Leviticus stands firm on the holiness of God, shows us the desire of a holy God to be a part of every part of our lives. He wants to give parameters, laws, commands, for every part of your existence. Our holy God desires us to be holy as he is holy.
Moderation in our lives leads to moderate Christianity.
And moderate Christianity sounds a lot like lukewarm...
I am just going to sit there for a moment.
Let it sink in.
Re-read the passage in Revelation, yeah, I'll still be here.
Our Lord wants us to be sold out for Him. He wants to indwell us with his Spirit just as he indwelt the tabernacle. And the tabernacle required specific sacrifices and rules in order for God to stay there. He commanded them to follow these laws in order for them to be holy. Our holy God loves us enough to speak into every aspect of our lives. He wants us to live, breathe, eat, be in relationship, in His way. He wants every aspect of our lives to be holy, because that is the way he designed us to be. He desires to be with us, but a holy God cannot be with a sinful people. We shouldn't just rest on our salvation, we should be constantly striving to be closer to our Lord. And a holy Lord deserves holy people.
He wants our every action, every thought, every deed, dedicated to Him.
And he deserves no less.
So next time you think, its only one movie, one song, one book, one tv show, one word, one day, remember, nothing in moderation. God demands and deserves our 100% obedience as we strive to be holy as he is holy.
Thank goodness that he forgives our errors and has provided the Holy Spirit to give us strength and purpose, because even in this we will never achieve holiness. But Jesus' sacrifice, God's love, the Holy Spirit's encouragement deserves our genuine attempt.
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