|
RUSSELL SANDERS
3-22-2022
YOUR MODERATION
When I was a teenager, our new pastor put a sign on the wall inside the church. The scripture on it was short, so I immediately memorized it. It was Philippians 4:5, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
For years I pondered the meaning of it. Did it mean “do all things in moderation?” That did not seem quite right, and it would open up further questions of behavior or indulgence.
The NIV and NKJV render moderation as gentleness, and Young’s Literal translation gives it as forbearance. Strong’s concordance interprets moderation as: appropriate, mild, gentle, moderation, patient. Each seem to focus on a gentle and appropriate spirit or behavior.
However, I really like how the Amplified Version (AMP) puts it. “Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.”
“Be known to all people” does not mean that you “show out” or show off these qualities. You just live it, and people will notice it on their own.
“The Lord is near” could perhaps refer to His soon return. However, people will see his light in you because he is near you, even within you. They will be drawn. Let us rather consider the qualities of the gentle spirit as mentioned.
· Graciousness: your unsolicited kindness to them.
· Unselfishness: your willingness to share.
· Mercy: Your unending forgiveness.
· Tolerance: Your ability or willingness to accept them even in their faults.
· Patience: Never giving up on them.
When we live daily in these attributes you are a living testimony of the Christ within you.
Do we ever fall short on these qualities? Surely, we all occasionally fail in one or more of these. Think on them and ask the Lord to help you. Yet, it is your will to determine it. Holy Spirit will help when you ask God’s help, but you have to make the choice to live it out.
Missed some of Russell's messages? Click here to read
| 
