Be moderate

Philippians 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

What is moderation?

      When we say the word moderation we usually think of restraint in areas of living such as food, work, exercise and numerous other activities. But the word means more properly seeming suitable, equitable, fair mild and gentle. In 1 Tim 3:3 it is translated patient and in Titus 3:2 it is translated gentle. In James 3:17 it is given a broad sweeping definition of wisdom that is from above translating as gentle. All these give us the idea of fair and equitable.

      While restraint in our daily living is important and necessary for our physical well being, the moderation Paul speaks about is related to our character in our spiritual nature and important in our soul wellness.

Three aspects:

      Our moderation (gentleness, fairness and equitableness) are an important part of our spiritual make up or make over. Prior to salvation/sanctification we may not exhibit these qualities, but they are part of our spiritual nature subsequent to conversion. Many people are fair and equitable  and even gentle before conversion, but this quality is something God produces or we learn through our walk with Him that is above the human level (Matt 11:29; Gal 5:23). It is a quality of Christ and His dealings with us when we are wounded, sick or even confused about our walk and also our learning to be Christian (Isa 40:11; 2 Cor 10:1; Eph 5:9; 1 Thes 2:7; 2 Tim 2:24).

      Secondly, he says that our moderation is to be known of all men. This is more demanding since we are not to blow our own horn about being fair and equitable to all people is difficult at the least. The Holy Spirit is insisting that our inner character be “moderate” so that resulting actions will flow from our character rather than the circumstances. To the Corinthians, Paul said they (and we) were the epistles of Christ (2 Cor 3:3) read of other people and what they are to read is to include the reputation of fairness and gentle behavior to all.

      Thirdly, the reason this requirement is so significant is “the Lord is at hand”. At first reading, it appears Paul is meaning that the coming of the Lord is near and we must be properly Christian or lose out at His coming. But, the word means more likely that the Lord is near in position to us. – He is by our side observing, supporting and helping us. Sometimes we forget that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and that we are not on our own – either to flounder or to act improperly. To act improperly would be to grieve the Spirit and thus bring reproach upon His name and bring rebuke or chastening upon our self. To allow His character to flow out of and through us would bring honor to Him and perhaps conviction upon those who read our lives.