We should start by saying that the word “moderation” does not appear in the Bible, but the concept is taught throughout. The Greek words often translated as “moderation” are usually translated as “patient” or “gentle”. Patience, gentleness, sobriety, and even grace are all attributes that, in certain contexts, illustrate the modern notion of moderation. The words intend to illustrate an avoidance of excesses, self-restraint, or living within reasonable limits. All these ideas are befitting Kingdom royalty.

Second, we should put to rest the notion that “all things in moderation” is a phrase used in the Bible. It is not. Where did it come from? Originally the saying is attributed to an ancient Greek sage named Chilo; it is also inscribed on the temple of Apollo in Delphi. The phrase became popular wisdom due to the play Andria, written by a Roman playwrie in the second century. Perhaps it became promonant in American culture as Benjamin Franklin was fond of saying, “All things in moderation, including moderation.” It is a phrase expressing worldly wisdom, not biblical wisdom, for certainly “all things” includes even sinful activities. There is no moderate use of pornography, for example. It is unfortunate that the phrase has gained such acceptance in the Church as it tends to lead one into pursuing worldly activity instead of the character of Christ.

What is moderation then, in the context of Christian living? In the New Testament the concept is championed by Peter, James and Paul through the use of such commands as being gentle, not quick to anger, sober-minded, not given to drunkenness and so forth. Patience and gentleness toward an opponent is certainly moderate compared to losing one’s temper. Thinking before acting is moderate behavior. Self-control among those things that may become a vice may be considered moderate, depending on the activity.

I also would put forth the words of Erasmus of Rotterdam, who wrote, “School yourself so that nothing pleases you which is not suitable.” Desiderius Erasmus Roterdamus was a contemporary of Martin Luther, but worked for reform within the Catholic Church rather than outside it. I like his phrasing as it gets to the crux of Christian living. Why is sin so tempting? Because we have not schooled ourselves against it. How do we school ourselves against temptation? By drawing nearer to God and seeing the activity the same way God does.

How can I say such thing? That temptation can be resolved successfully through a proper relationship with God and the knowledge of God pertaining to the sinful activity? I can state this as absolute truth because the apostle did so long before I did. In 1 Peter chapter one we find the following verses (3 and 4):

I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.

Peter knew, and now the princes and princesses of the Kingdom know. Moderation leads to thoughtfulness which teaches us God’s ways, knowing God’s ways draws us nearer to him, which in turn leads to victory over temptation.